Marty Gordon
In just one week, Virginia Tech and other football schools will be kicking off their 2018 season. But it was news off the field this week that brought to light the sheer magnitude of such athletic programs.
At Ohio State, we were reminded sometimes major issues fall through the cracks or honestly swept under the rug.
Domestic violence is a problem in our society, and sometimes we don’t open our eyes to the real problem. It was one at Ohio State, and I believe because of the large amount of money the football program recoups the matter was ignored.
Did the school make the right move in suspending Coach Urban Meyer? I think yes, but did it go far enough.
Case in point is the reaction by everyone involved at Wednesday’s press conference where the suspension was announced.
Meyer was never able to look straight ahead or into the cameras surrounding them. Also, the words “domestic abuse” did not come from his mouth.
I believe the matter has turned into a black eye for Meyer and his legacy. I also believe that the university as a whole did not take the proper action.
Since Meyer and the athletic director were both suspended without pay, I think salaries should be given to an Ohio domestic violence agency or shelter. In addition, Meyer should personally make a donation.
Also, Ohio State needs to step up and form a committee to address the matter university-wide. I’m sure similar incidents have taken place throughout the school, not just the football program.
The school should also re-examine its personnel policies on how to correctly deal with it in the future.
Meyer must save face by stepping up to the mic and pushing for better reporting of domestic abuse. He is not the victim in this case that he is making himself out to be. Instead, he needs to be a messenger who uses his stature and position to make changes.
Yes, he as a manager made a big mistake and not following up on the matter from three years ago. Ultimately, he is responsible for people working under him. He is the head coach of Ohio State, who has been criticized in several other ways over the past year, and it is he who has to take responsibility and be accountable for his actions or in this case “lack of action.”
The entire university needs to examine itself and how it is be presented and represented to the world.
In addition, the incident involving the death of a Maryland football player has also cast a shadow on the opening of football season.
I salute the University of Virginia for stepping up to the plate and placing sensors on players during practice so the training staff can monitor their condition. The health of an individual is more important than the large amount of money he or she helps to generate for each school.
Now is not the time to place a higher grade on the revenue. The NCAA and individual schools must learn from these mistakes and put in place more safeguards.
The headlines need to be on the games and not what tragic event has happened off the field. The NCAA must also work to tighten policies so this does not happen again in the future.
Things are getting clearer in the crowded quarterback field at Virginia Tech. Freshman quarterback DeJuan Ellis has changed positions and is now being listed as a wide receiver.
Also, a former Hokie QB has found a new home and will be the starter when Illinois takes the field in two weeks.
A.J. Bush transferred to the Big 10 school earlier this year. At Tech, he was played very little last season as a backup to Josh Jackson.
One of the region’s paved ovals is getting a new life. Lonesome Pine Raceway in Coeburn will now become a dirt track. The first load of dirt is expected next week, and the track is expected to open in early 2019.
The track initially opened in 1972 and closed in 2017.
