TFD: Jim Tressel offers an apology, in his own way

Wow.

March 14, 2011 at 10:02PM

What is it with guys in Ohio? Once they mess up, they seem to keep digging a deeper hole. First LeBron; now Jim Tressel. From the AP:

Standing before a room jammed with some of his most loyal admirers, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel apologized several times during his first public speaking engagement since being suspended and fined for violating NCAA rules.

Speaking to a crowd of 400 -- many of them Ohio State fans clad in the school's scarlet and gray -- at a luncheon sponsored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Tressel charmed a pro-Buckeyes' audience during a 40-minute speech focused on handling adversity.

Tressel began his remarks by saying he couldn't say much about the recent troubles at Ohio State "because of the nature of the investigation."

"But I can tell you this," he said. "I consider all of you a part of the Buckeye Nation. I sincerely apologize for what we've been through. I apologize for the fact I wasn't able to find the ones to partner with to handle our difficult and complex situation.

"I also apologize because I'm going to have some sanctions. But the mission doesn't change. That's the pledge I have to you. The mission I've always had is we make sure we help young people change their lives."

He might have charmed those 400 Ohio State fans. But he didn't do much for us.

about the writer

about the writer

Michael Rand

Columnist / Reporter

Michael Rand is the Minnesota Star Tribune's Digital Sports Senior Writer and host/creator of the Daily Delivery podcast. In 25 years covering Minnesota sports at the Minnesota Star Tribune, he has seen just about everything (except, of course, a Vikings Super Bowl).

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