As bad as things have been for the Ohio State Buckeyes offense this season, they’re probably not getting better any time soon. Possibly the most important on-the-field member of the Tattoo five, their best receiver by far, Devier Posey isn’t coming back until he serves another five game suspension.
This statement from Ohio St. AD Gene Smith says it all about what they’re feeling in Columbus.
“I am extremely disappointed with the NCAA’s decision regarding Devier Posey. This penalty is harsh considering the nature of the violation and the five game suspension already served by this student athlete.”
Well, first of all, no one outside of those who work for universities and the NCAA itself ever uses the phrase “student-athlete.” I think the past year or so has finally put to bed that fallacious misnomer. I always replace that phrase with “player,” and the only time you’ll see that phrase in my writing is when it’s quoted.
Posey, in addition to sitting out those five games, must repay benefits after receiving approximately $720 from a booster for work not performed, according to a decision today by the NCAA reinstatement staff. Posey also accepted approximately $100 in golf fees from another individual, which is a preferential treatment violation. In other words, Posey’s 2011 season is now pretty much completely lost.
Three additional Ohio State college football players – Marcus Hall, Melvin Fellows and Daniel “Boom” Herron – will miss one game and must repay benefits after receiving pay for work not performed from the booster. Herron and Fellows both accepted approximately $290 in excess pay while Hall received $230 in overpayment. Boom, as you obviously know, was supposed to be this year’s feature back.
Maybe things will get better when Urban Meyer arrives next season?
And things are looking really up in Columbus for basketball season!
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