Tressel’s Resignation Represent Acts of Love, Protection, and Integrity

*Before reading this please note that I am not an Ohio State fan.  I probably dislike them just as much as a Michigan fan.*

There's a good chance Jim Tressel will never receive another job in the NCAA ever again.  Ever.

He'll get a few juco offers, an NAIA offer or two, even a prestigious high school job in Texas, Florida, California, Ohio, or Pennsylvania may throw him some bait; but the big boys of the NCAA, not a chance.

Tough to say for a coach who has a National Championship, Heisman winner, numerous BCS Bowl appearances, and a 9-1 record against the Michigan Wolverines.

If you've been living under a rock for the past few days, Tressel resigned from THE Ohio State University amidst the fallout of an 'ignorance is bliss' case.  How you don't see your star players tattoos worth thousands and a new car every other home game is beyond me, but they do say the senses go with age.

But what if maybe, just maybe, it wasn't ignorance?  Maybe Tressel taking off his glasses, putting his patented sweater vest in his mouth, and cramming his play-sheets in his ears were acts of love, protection, and integrity for his second family: Ohio State Buckeye football.

Love:

Tressel could have printed out the emails [regarding the cars and tattoos] when they came through his inbox and walked them to the compliance office and no one gets in trouble but his players.  But why would he?  Why snitch on the players when families trusted him with their sons?  He couldn't.  Why throw players under the bus when it's not their fault the NCAA doesn't punish boosters for bending the rulebook?  His arms or heart aren't strong enough.  Bottom line is he has too big of a heart, he's too big of a man to be the next 'Sammy the Bull'.  He had no choice but to shut the door and let the unfortunate events unfold.  It’s what his heart told him to do.

Protection:

People always get caught doing wrong whether your last name is Clinton or Bin Laden.  These players knew what they were doing.  They knew it was wrong.  They probably knew they'd get caught, too.  But they also know they'll still get their shot at the next level while the man who gave you that shot was already at his next level.  Coaching Ohio State football was Tressel's final level.  Yet these players didn't care because they were getting theirs while Tressel was preparing to receive his no matter the consequences.

Integrity:

And to think, before he received what he knew was coming, he did one last favor for his second family.  He resigned.  He resigned with hopes the NCAA will use it as punishment enough for Buckeye Nation.  He resigned in hopes they don't get blasted with probation, suspensions, fines, rescinded wins, rings, and trophies.  He resigned in hopes his longtime friend and interim head coach can finally man the ship instead of being a lifetime first mate.  He resigned in hopes an association can finally keep track of its members instead of finding out about broken rules years after they occur.  He resigned in hopes other coaches follow suit (in his case sweater vest) and come forth with the dirty ways of college recruiting.  He resigned to set an example.