There is a certain fascination and necessity attached to college rivalries. Everyone loves an underdog and a good showdown between schools in sports, namely college football. However, this past rivalry week showed some true colors of fans, athletes and school programs alike.
The issue with college athletics is the “upper-class treatment” any athlete receives, especially at a Big Ten school. Players act above their classes and fellow peers while coaches are simply babied into the sport from the start and are guaranteed a fine paycheck and plenty of publicity.
The best – and most recent – example is Ohio State football coach Ryan Day. Although his overall record with Ohio State has been substantial, proving his qualifications and expertise as a football coach, the biggest rivalry game of the year avoids his grasp for the fourth consecutive year. Social media put Day on blast, calling for a swift termination of the football coach.
However, because of his title as Ohio State coach, people calling for his termination would be doing him a favor. His reputation will keep him in the college football scene, and it is hard to believe Day would be jobless for more than 24 hours following his termination. In addition, Day is guaranteed a crisp $37 million based on his contract with the school if he is to be terminated, according to Bleacher Report.
As for the end of the game, Michigan and OSU players alike began openly brawling with each other after the game until mace separated the groups. All simply over a game of football.
The repercussions consisted of a $100,000 fine to both schools which is essentially a penny to them. The league outwardly states there will be no suspensions issued for the fights, whereas, in the case of physical assault for a student off the field, punishment would be swiftly enforced.
Being a Big Ten athlete should not put someone above any form of punishment, especially after the bad behavior last weekend. Much like how fans of celebrities call for holding public figures accountable the spotlight should be treated with the same energy.
Sports rivalries and tension between teams are not going anywhere with the way Americans prioritize the role of sports in their lives. But putting more restraints on negative behavior should be more enforced.
The world has witnessed the NFL handle professional athletes’ sexual and violent crimes poorly for ages, and gently sweeps it under the rug. The behavior during last weekend’s game comes as no surprise. This leeway is just a gateway for big names on the field to get away with things that would otherwise not be tolerated.
Hold these young athletes and adult coaches to a better standard. Keep sportsmanlike behavior alive and well and remind players on the field that handling a ball is simply not an excuse.
Abby Jenkins is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Abby know by tweeting her @abbyjenks18 or emailing her at aj205621@ohio.edu.