Clarett spills the beans on Ohio State

[Badgun]

Boy, this should go a long way to bridging those feelings of hurt between OSU fans and Clarett.

http://espn.go.com/ncf/s/2004/1109/1919059.html

[dbdynsty25]

Umm...spills what beans? Everyone knows the star college athletes get money, cars, girl, etc...it's not like he's telling us something we don't already know.

[Badgun]

Umm...spills what beans? Everyone knows the star college athletes get money, cars, girl, etc...it's not like he's telling us something we don't already know.

Yeah, we all know it, but he gives specifics which might land OSU in a lot of hot water...maybe even get their national title taken away.

Besides, you should enjoy this since it draws attention away from that other black eye known as "The U"

[dbdynsty25]

Yeah, we all know it, but he gives specifics which might land OSU in a lot of hot water...maybe even get their national title taken away.

Besides, you should enjoy this since it draws attention away from that other black eye known as "The U"

All programs do it...there is a reason so many of them get probation and crap like that. Some are just stupid enough to get caught...Miami hasn't of late.

As long as Ohio State goes down...I'm all for it, but it's not like it's something we didn't expect.

[Bill_Abner]

Two things:

From AD Geiger: "We went through a yearlong investigation of our academic programs, everything that [Clarett] has to allege,'' Geiger said. "He vowed to me that he would do something to try to get us and this may be what he's trying to do. So he's on his own. We dealt with this guy [Clarett] for 18 months. I just hope you've checked into the background and history of who you're dealing with.''

This says a WHOLE lot right there. The NCAA already looked into this, and hard. When the NCAA spends a year on your campus, they give your school a proctology exam. Something this obvious wouldn't have turned up? How anyone can take what this guy says at this point at face value is beyond me.

Plus, in that story they have two other sources, Marco Cooper a Michigan recruit and Sam Maldanado. Cooper was kicked off the team at the start of 2003 for drug possession (Ectasy, actually) and carrying a loaded 9mm Baretta. Maldanado was a 5 star recruit from NJ who ended up being a total bust, who then transferred to Maryland to sit the bench. I mean, there's no ill feeling from all three of those guys...

Is that the story true? No idea. It wouldn't shock me, Ohio State is a football factory that is no different from any major program in the country. Boosters do this kinda thing at every major university. It really is a blight on all of college athletics that they just dont pay these guys to start with, instead they go under the table like it's part of organized crime.
Still, in this case you have to consider the sources. Clarett is doing this to "clear his name" to NFL Gms so he won't go in the 4th round; this is still all about Maurice Clarett.

[Bill_Abner]

Umm...spills what beans? Everyone knows the star college athletes get money, cars, girl, etc...it's not like he's telling us something we don't already know.

Yeah, we all know it, but he gives specifics which might land OSU in a lot of hot water...maybe even get their national title taken away.

Whether it should or should not be taken away, the NCAA has no jurisdiction over the BCS title. None. This isn't like the NCAA Tourney. The only way a D1 football team loses its title is if it decides to give it back.

Edit: AD Andy Geiger will discuss this with the press at Tressel's media luncheon today at noon. I doubt he says anything worth noting, but we'll see.

[kevinpars]

You know, I used to hate Ray Lewis for covering up for his friends in the Buckhead murders. But the more I hear from TO and Clarett and others, the more respect I have for him. At least Ray knows HOW TO KEEP HIS BIG MOUTH SHUT.

What a novel idea! Silence IS golden.

[Badgun]

Two things:

From AD Geiger: "We went through a yearlong investigation of our academic programs, everything that [Clarett] has to allege,'' Geiger said. "He vowed to me that he would do something to try to get us and this may be what he's trying to do. So he's on his own. We dealt with this guy [Clarett] for 18 months. I just hope you've checked into the background and history of who you're dealing with.''

This says a WHOLE lot right there. The NCAA already looked into this, and hard. When the NCAA spends a year on your campus, they give your school a proctology exam. Something this obvious wouldn't have turned up? How anyone can take what this guy says at this point at face value is beyond me.

Plus, in that story they have two other sources, Marco Cooper a Michigan recruit and Sam Maldanado. Cooper was kicked off the team at the start of 2003 for drug possession (Ectasy, actually) and carrying a loaded 9mm Baretta. Maldanado was a 5 star recruit from NJ who ended up being a total bust, who then transferred to Maryland to sit the bench. I mean, there's no ill feeling from all three of those guys...

Is that the story true? No idea. It wouldn't shock me, Ohio State is a football factory that is no different from any major program in the country. Boosters do this kinda thing at every major university. It really is a blight on all of college athletics that they just dont pay these guys to start with, instead they go under the table like it's part of organized crime.
Still, in this case you have to consider the sources. Clarett is doing this to "clear his name" to NFL Gms so he won't go in the 4th round; this is still all about Maurice Clarett.

Bill,
This certainly could be construed as sour grapes from Clarett and I'm inclined to believe that it is. He's trying to make himself out as the victim to climb into a better draft slot next year, but if he is disproven, it may hurt him even more.

[Programmed2Kill]

You know, I used to hate Ray Lewis for covering up for his friends in the Buckhead murders. But the more I hear from TO and Clarett and others, the more respect I have for him. At least Ray knows HOW TO KEEP HIS BIG MOUTH SHUT.

What a novel idea! Silence IS golden.

So you rather turn your dislike to a couple of guys who are big mouths and to respect the one that covered up for those who are murderers?


Whatever does it for ya....

[Bill_Abner]

Just listened to Andy Geiger's (OSU AD) press con.

As an OSU alum I feel a WHOLE lot better after hearing Geiger speak. He said that the NCAA has been over this and that there isnt anything new here. Ohio State was cleared of any wrong doing in regards to Clarett, benefits, etc. The NCAA looked into the cars, the job benefits, etc. He pretty much insinuated to consider the source and that Clarett was in violation of lying 17 times by NCAA rules. Why would he start telling the truth now? He also declined to be interviewed by Outside the Lines because he wanted all ESPN allegations submitted in writing; ESPN declined to do that.

[jujuhound76]

Just listened to Andu Geiger's (OSU AD) press con.

As an OSU alum I feel a WHOLE lot better after hearing Geiger speak. He said that the NCAA has been over this and that there isnt anything new here. Ohio State was cleared of any wrong doing in regards to Clarett, benefits, etc. The NCAA looked into the cars, the job benefits, etc. He pretty much insinuated to consider the source and that Clarett was in violation of lying 17 times by NCAA rules. Why would he start telling the truth now? He also declined to be interviewed by Outside the Lines because he wanted all ESPN allegations submitted in writing; ESPN declined to do that.

ESPN does love their little witch-hunts. Sounds like they plan on running with this one even if there is no legitimate basis. Don't expect an apology or even a statement mentioning that the charges were unfounded after the NCAA clears OSU again.

[Bill_Abner]

LOL an apology? Did the New York Times apologize after their story about OSU ended up being false? Newspapers and media outlets never apologize. All they care about is that this will suck in a lot of Outside the Lines viewers and sell more copies of ESPN the Shitzine. Even if this story is true, they need to show more evidence other than: Three former OSU players, all with an ax to grind, are saying bad things about the program. If that's enough for a story..yeow, Every football program better be careful. It can happen to you, too.

[Danimal]

they need to show more evidence other than: Three former OSU players, all with an ax to grind, are saying bad things about the program.

Hey, I hate Clarett as much as the next guy. But the one guy who transfered didn't appear to be grinding an axe. He said only 17 of his 40 credits transfered and he was directed into taking those classes.

Anyone who thinks atheletes aren't given "suggestions" about what classes they should take is taking the term "ignorant bliss" to a new level. However last time I checked, I didn't think it was illegal to give class recommendations.

[Sudz]

the writer is on jim rome now.

[Bill_Abner]

they need to show more evidence other than: Three former OSU players, all with an ax to grind, are saying bad things about the program.

Hey, I hate Clarett as much as the next guy. But the one guy who transfered didn't appear to be grinding an axe. He said only 17 of his 40 credits transfered and he was directed into taking those classes.

Anyone who thinks atheletes aren't given "suggestions" about what classes they should take is taking the term "ignorant bliss" to a new level. However last time I checked, I didn't think it was illegal to give class recommendations.

Maldanado had all kinds of things to say about OSU when he transferred, mainly about how he didn't get to play enough, wasnt treated fairly, yadda yadda. Trust me he's no fan of the program. He was also suspended at Maryland for dope smoking. We aren't talking about the King of Good Judgment here.

As for transferring, when you transfer from a school that uses quarters to a school that uses semesters..you're lucky if 60% of your credits even transfer. My roommate my freshman year, he was a soph, went through this same thing. How that is "news", I'm not sure.

[Danimal]

Maldanado had all kinds of things to say about OSU when he transferred, mainly about how he didn't get to play enough, wasnt treated fairly, yadda yadda. Trust me he's no fan of the program. He was also suspended at Maryland for dope smoking. We aren't talking about the King of Good Judgment here.

Well not following OSU and not living in OH I don't have access to that kind of information. I was just commenting on the article, all I saw (I will re-read it) was he said his credits didn't transfer and I didn't think that was much of a axe to grind.

As for transferring, when you transfer from a school that uses quarters to a school that uses semesters..you're lucky if 60% of your credits even transfer. My roommate my freshman year, he was a soph, went through this same thing. How that is "news", I'm not sure.

True, and I agree it isn't news or illegal. I am just speaking from experience, my freshmen year I was pre-enrolled in some great classes from my coach, fortunately my parents were smart enough to make me change them.

Bottom line is I feel the same way DB does. It's not a matter of schools that do and don't commit violations. It's schools that do and don't get caught commiting violations.

[jujuhound76]

LOL an apology? Did the New York Times apologize after their story about OSU ended up being false? Newspapers and media outlets never apologize. All they care about is that this will suck in a lot of Outside the Lines viewers and sell more copies of ESPN the s***zine. Even if this story is true, they need to show more evidence other than: Three former OSU players, all with an ax to grind, are saying bad things about the program. If that's enough for a story..yeow, Every football program better be careful. It can happen to you, too.

ESPN has done this before. They broke a "big" story on the Vols after they won the championship in '98 based on the word of a disgruntled former recruit and a faculty member who turned out to be a part of a group that is opposed to college athletics and had a history of psychological programs. ESPN doesn't need evidence. Most people will believe whatever bullsh*t they decide to spew to their audience without any proof. It just pisses me off that they never do any sort of follow-up when their big stories amount to absolutely nothing.

[jujuhound76]

LOL an apology? Did the New York Times apologize after their story about OSU ended up being false? Newspapers and media outlets never apologize. All they care about is that this will suck in a lot of Outside the Lines viewers and sell more copies of ESPN the s***zine. Even if this story is true, they need to show more evidence other than: Three former OSU players, all with an ax to grind, are saying bad things about the program. If that's enough for a story..yeow, Every football program better be careful. It can happen to you, too.

ESPN has done this before. They broke a "big" story on the Vols after they won the championship in '98 based on the word of a disgruntled former recruit and a faculty member who turned out to be a part of a group that is opposed to college athletics and had a history of psychological programs. ESPN doesn't need evidence. Most people will believe whatever bullsh*t they decide to spew to their audience without any proof. It just pisses me off that they never do any sort of follow-up when their big stories amount to absolutely nothing.

[Bill_Abner]

Dan, no doubt. They all do it, which is why I try not to get too uppity when it happens to another school, even when Michigan had to remove their basketball banners..it was hard to gloat, I mean it's just a matter of time before the NCAA gives your school a rectal exam. It's zero fun. Because even if the NCAA finds nothing, the stigma of the investigation will linger.

jujuhound76, I remember that Vols thing. It was another case of overeager journalists digging up a story without confirming or considering the source. Why anyone would believe ANYTHING Clarett says, I just dont get. Either Clarret was lying to NCAA investigators, or he's lying now. Either way, he's lying.

[bkrich83]

WHile I classify this as sour grapes by Clarrett. The one big reason why this if true would be huge, is not the boosters part, or any of the other crap. That happens all the time. It's the fact that he specifically implicates Tressell as having a direct hand and knowledge of these events.

That's huge. I still think it's more BS than truth, but if true, big, big problems for OSU in the future. And Tressell himself.

[Programmed2Kill]

WHile I classify this as sour grapes by Clarrett. The one big reason why this if true would be huge, is not the boosters part, or any of the other crap. That happens all the time. It's the fact that he specifically implicates Tressell as having a direct hand and knowledge of these events.

That's huge. I still think it's more BS than truth, but if true, big, big problems for OSU in the future. And Tressell himself.

And if I recall, this would not be the first time Tressell got himself into trouble.

[bdoughty]

Why anyone would believe ANYTHING Clarett says, I just dont get. Either Clarret was lying to NCAA investigators, or he's lying now. Either way, he's lying.

Exactly...

When Robert Smith came out and discussed his problem with Ohio State I
believed him because...

A: The kid was intelligent and did not need a possy to speak out about what happened.
B: Clarret is a thug who associates with a wife beater. There I said it.
C: Look at the link of teemates agreeing with him.

Marco Cooper, a linebacker suspended after two drug-possession arrests, says he enjoyed perks described by Clarett.

Well that is just who I would like to back my side.

[Jackdog]

WHile I classify this as sour grapes by Clarrett. The one big reason why this if true would be huge, is not the boosters part, or any of the other crap. That happens all the time. It's the fact that he specifically implicates Tressell as having a direct hand and knowledge of these events.

That's huge. I still think it's more BS than truth, but if true, big, big problems for OSU in the future. And Tressell himself.

And if I recall, this would not be the first time Tressell got himself into trouble.

Didn't he pay a QB at YSU? Anybody know for sure?

[Bill_Abner]

WHile I classify this as sour grapes by Clarrett. The one big reason why this if true would be huge, is not the boosters part, or any of the other crap. That happens all the time. It's the fact that he specifically implicates Tressell as having a direct hand and knowledge of these events.

That's huge. I still think it's more BS than truth, but if true, big, big problems for OSU in the future. And Tressell himself.

And if I recall, this would not be the first time Tressell got himself into trouble.

Didn't he pay a QB at YSU? Anybody know for sure?

He did the same thing for that player that he did for Clarett. He set up a car deal for him, which in and of itself is not illegal.

As for him being in trouble, Jim Tressel has never been sanctioned nor has a team that he has coached ever been sanctioned in any way by the NCAA. Is OSU 100% clean? It's silly to think that. I'm sure stuff goes on there just like it does everywhere else, but this whole Clarett thing was already investigated by the NCAA for months. If you happened to hear or read Geiger's press conference he was more or less saying, "Bring it. We've been down this road and nothing was found."

If Tressel was dirty, Andy Geiger would fire him. Geiger fired his closest friend in the entire OSU program when he fired Jim O'brien, the head basketball coach, when he found ot he paid a player $6,000 to give to his refugee mother in former Yugoslavia. Trust me, Geiger would can Tressel if he knew or suspected him of being a dirty coach.

And yeah, we all thought Robert Smith was telling truth, too.

Anyway, after reading all 4 ESPN articles, I find it funny that:

-They make Clarett out to be the victim. Come on. It read like "look what big bad OSU did to Clarett and his mom." Clarett could have been a straight arrow. He wasn't. He wanted the easy way out..he STILL wants the easy way out. This is ALL about Clarett and him wanting to be drafted higher than he deserves. This has nothing to do with anything else other than that.

-The sources for this, every single one of them that are trashing the school are either:

A) Suspended
B) Arrested and kicked off the team
C) Flunked OUT of school

Now, if OSU were making it so super easy for these kids to graduate and stay eligible, how did all these guys flunk out? Are they EXTRA stupid?

It should surprise no one that universities guide athletes on which classes to take. A kid might ask, 'which classes should I take to stay eligible for the season.' The advisors tell him, "Music Appreciation, Intro to Golf, AIDS Awareness, and Basic Enlgish 100." ESPN makes this out to be some kind of violation. Why? At OSU, I took every one of those classes and I didn't star at anything except drunken stupors every Saturday night. It's extremely common for athletes to take "easy" classes during the season; this happens at every school in the country. The Craig Krenzel's who do Micro Biology or whatever he did are the exception, not the rule.

Anyway, ESPN, Outside the Lines, and ESPN the Magazine will get a lot of traction out of this story. $$ makes the world go 'round, even if the news is hardly "new" to the NCAA or Ohio State.

Hopefully it'll blow over next week.

[bdoughty]

And yeah, we all thought Robert Smith was telling truth, too.

Hmm my sarcasm meter is not working right now? I did believe Smith.

I agree with everything you have said on Clarett, as I mentioned those who are backing him are not the most credible of sources.