Jim Tressel Retiring is a Surprise, but Players Receiving Improper Benefits Aren't

Earlier this year, it was noted that a few Ohio State University football players received improper benefits, such as money and getting free tattoos after signing autorgraphs for fans. It resulted in a turmoil of OSU players being suspended for 5 games.

A few months later, it was noted that Jim Tressell was aware of players receive improper benefit while he was coaching at OSU. This resulted in Tressell's retirement. Tressell brought OSU back into the top College Rankings since he came to coach at Ohio State in 2002. He coached the Buckeyes for 10 years and posted a record of 106-22-0, including to eight College bowls.

The fact of the matter is this: Jim Tressell retiring is a huge blow to the Ohio State University, and also impacts as to how the college poll rankings will change for the upcoming season. In fact, it will change as to how college football will be seen at OSU. There is no official head coach heading into next season, as it could change within the next week /month.

Jim Tressel retiring came out of nowhere. It was because of his cover ups for previous allegations over the years that resulted into his retirement. In fact, he did too much for Ohio State players and did not accept the consequences. However, it does not change the fact that he was a great coach. Tressell will come back to college football within a year or two. He will rebuild a team and he will be a hot pickup in the 2012 football season.

Yet, one thing that should be no surprise is the fact that NCCAF players always receive improper benefits. They do it for 3 reasons: Money, fame, or to cover their needs.

Players in college do not understand the seriousness involved with these types of allegations. But even when they are informed of the rules, they find a way to try and hide it. You look at the USC allegations in regards to Reggie Bush last season, and Pete Carroll left USC with no hesitation. Why? Possibly due to him covering up these allegations for his players over the years just as Jim Tressell did.

Players must realize that they are representing their own college and are a role model to young kids. They have to grow up very quickly and understand that if they want football to be their career, they must be professionals about it. College is about making mistakes and learning who you are, but it does not mean you do not have a responsibility.

It would surprise me if the NCCAF league does not investigate all colleges to verify if players are receiving improper benefits. If they do not, they are only making the OSU story look like a joke and players will continue to violate these rules. The NCAA must crack down hard and go after all colleges to determine how many players are receiving improper benefits. If this does not happen, then the NCAAF is nothing but a joke to the nation and there should be no set rules in place.