Paine Parks

Professor Helmig

Sport Law 330

23 October 2023

Ohio State 2010 Football Case

The Ohio State Buckeyes, one of the top teams in college football, were involved in a

scandal that shocked the sports world in 2010. The scandal involved players who had broken

NCAA rules and regulations. This paper will look at the reasons for, consequences, and lessons

that can be learned from the 2010 Ohio State football case.

The scandal began with the report that some of the team's star players had exchanged

memorabilia for tattoos and other goods, violating NCAA rules. Terrelle Pryor, DeVier Posey,

Dan Herron, Mike Adams, and Solomon Thomas were among the players involved. The NCAA

has strict rules against players receiving extra benefits, including cash or merchandise, as it

undermines the level playing field that collegiate sports aim to provide. Initially, the players

involved claimed ignorance about the rules they had violated. They thought it was a harmless

exchange, failing to understand the severity of their actions. This ignorance was made apparent

by the lack of proper education on NCAA regulations, which may not excuse their behavior but

highlights the importance of educating student-athletes about the rules governing their

participation in college sports.

The repercussions for the team were swift and significant. The NCAA imposed

suspensions on the involved players, affecting their playing time and, consequently, the team's

performance. Jim Tressel, the head coach of the Ohio State football team, was also held

accountable for not reporting the violations and, as a result, received a suspension. The
consequences went beyond the basic violations. The relationship between Ohio State University,

its players, and their supporters was damaged, and the university's reputation was damaged. The

team had vacated all 12 of their wins that season. An era in Ohio State football ended when Jim

Tressel resigned as head coach because of the controversy. This served as a clear reminder that

breaking NCAA ethics and standards can have serious repercussions and should not be taken

lightly.

The scandal offers several important lessons for college athletics and the community.

Student-athletes need better education about NCAA rules and regulations. Universities need to

make sure their athletes are aware of the rules and what they mean, even though ignorance is not

a valid reason for breaking them. Student-athletes will be better ready to make wise choices and

stay clear of unintentional rule-breaking as a result. Coaches, too, should be held accountable for

the actions of their players. The suspension and resignation of Jim Tressel highlighted the

essential part that coaches play in maintaining the integrity of college sports. They must exercise

caution and report violations right away.

The scandal also illustrates that the actions of a few can impact many. The choices made

by the players had a significant impact on the team, the university, and even the supporters. It

emphasizes the value of taking personal responsibility and realizing that one's actions have an

impact on those beyond themselves. It also acts as a reminder that behavior and honesty should

never be compromised not even in highly competitive collegiate athletics. The integrity of the

game depends on maintaining the principles of sportsmanship, honesty, and fair play. The

scandal underscored the importance of communication between athletes, coaches, university

administrators, and NCAA officials. To prevent rule violations and address issues quickly, there

should be clear channels for reporting concerns or seeking clarification on rules and regulations.
Transparency and open lines of communication can help avoid misunderstandings and hidden

violations. The aftermath of the scandal demonstrated the importance of rebuilding trust. Ohio

State, under new leadership, had to work hard to regain the trust of its fans and the college

football community. It showed that while scandals can tarnish reputations, it is possible to

rebuild and come back stronger.

The 2010 Ohio State football scandal was a crazy moment in the world of college sports.

It highlighted the importance of education, accountability, and maintaining integrity. College

athletics offers a unique opportunity to develop not only physical skills but also character. The

scandal reminds us of the need to prioritize character development and ethical decision-making

in student-athletes. Coaches and universities should place emphasis on instilling values such as

responsibility, respect, and integrity, which will serve athletes well not just during their college

careers but in their future lives as well. By fostering good character, college athletics can

contribute positively to the broader community by producing graduates who are not only skilled

in their sports but also responsible citizens. The lessons learned from this scandal can benefit not

only college athletes and coaches but also everyone who values the principles of fair play and

sportsmanship. By recognizing the significance of this event and the resulting consequences, we

can work towards creating a more ethical and responsible sporting culture.