Jim Tressel on staff??

[LZIp]

As will the jealousy of Akron fans towards OSU

yep. Dont throw stones in a glass house.

Also, read an article the other day where Bowden wants Akron to be #1 on the totem pole in Ohio...behind Ohio State. How do some of you feel about that comment?

[Dave in Green]

The real issue here is Dr. Proenza. It was Dr. Proenza who made the decision to hire Tressel after measuring Tressel's positive attributes vs. whatever mistakes he may have made.

Would Dr. Proenza risk his own good reputation and everything he has accomplished at UA by hiring someone who he thought would have anything but a net positive effect on UA?

[g-mann17]

yep. Dont throw stones in a glass house.

Also, read an article the other day where Bowden wants Akron to be #1 on the totem pole in Ohio...behind Ohio State. How do some of you feel about that comment?

Its a realistic business goal. You have to become number one at your level before you are even in consideration to take on the big dog.

Number 1 behind OSU for recruiting would make us an upper level Big East caliber program.

[NewZipsFan]

Its a realistic business goal. You have to become number one at your level before you are even in consideration to take on the big dog.

Number 1 behind OSU for recruiting would make us an upper level Big East caliber program.

Exactly right. If he had said he expected Akron to be #1 in the state, period, it would have been an empty and silly statement. Until Akron is in a BCS Conference it is just ridiculous to think we can compete with OSU for the very top recruits in the state. Not to say that we won't steal one here and there - because I believe we will.

[zippy5]

One step at a time

[akzipper]

As will the jealousy of Akron fans towards OSU

As I've said a million times, it's not a jealousy towards OSU it's their annoying obnoxious fans most of us cannot stand. They carry the idea with them that since they live in Ohio it automatically makes them a diehard fan of that team. They go to walmart and buy a piece of crap jersey and all of a sudden they turn into a complete a-hole and this allows them to talk smack on my school, Akron, when they have never actually stepped foot in an OSU classroom. The whole "akron doesn't count" attitude that has plagued northeast ohio, is the reason we hate them.

[GP1]

The hiring of JT is yet another example that goes to show you that crime does indeed pay. …Lying and cheating lands you a job making $200K. Wonderful!!

Personally, I find the decision to hire him 90% idiotic and 10% genius. In the end, my guess is that this is a 12-18 month engagement that will not amount to much for UA. If he can show the NCAA that he was truly sorry for his actions at tosu with positive work at UA, just maybe he can get his show cause penalty reduced and he will be back coaching somewhere. The sooner the better…

In the short-term, I can see his presence felt on campus. Unfortunately, I do not see how engaging with a bunch of UA students to talk tosu football is going to help. Students will continue to go through the motions in support of UA and it’s athletic teams. Getting to meet and talk to JT will just increase their love and support for tosu. Super!!!

The genius part of the hire will have to do with alumni. UA realized that we have tens of thousands of alumni who are moronic buckeye honks. We also have many others who masquerade as Zips fans.

What better way is there to make them all feel good about their favorite college football team- tosu, while getting them to pony up a few bucks to UA than to have UA alumni events that give everyone an opportunity to discuss tosu football with JT? It’s a win-win for everyone. Pure genius on UA’s part.

An invitation to Zips Win! will not be needed.

I wanted to bump this back to the top because it is a good post.

One thing the hiring of Tressel has done is provide a distraction from the positive move of hiring TB. Did I say distractions?

Distractions...distractions...distractions. Tressel coming to campus puts the Athletic Department in the NCAA's spotlight. Basically, the NCAA threw Tressel out of college athletics with the five year show cause penalty and now we let him back in approximately four months later to help raise money for our Athletic Department knowing he was thrown out of college athletics. Don't think the NCAA won't be watching closely. Don't think they won't be looking for a reason to screw us over if they can. I can't believe there are too many people working at the NCAA who aren't at least a little pissed off at Akron about this. Not the best position you want to put the Department in. Tressel has a way of making everything around him about him. HE is the distraction in a time when the football program badly needs to recover from TW's horrible decision to hire Coach I.

Some on this board keep saying, "Everyone cheats". OK then...Why do we want to give the NCAA a reason to start looking around? The more they look around, the more they find. Is that a good position for us to be in? Do our student athletes and coaches need that kind of attention? Do we want reported in the local media that the NCAA is sniffing around even if there is noting wrong going on?...Remember how bad things got when Reno sent a text or whatever he did? The nice thing about being a MAC school is the NCAA doesn't come looking around because it is largely an irrelevancy, and that is good for the schools because they can't afford to hire the people to fend off an NCAA investigation.

In my opinion, this act of desperation was very short sighted by Dr. Proenza. Getting back to ZipsWin!'s post....It is 90% idiotic and 10% genius. We had better hope the NCAA isn't part of the idiotic part or, TB and his staff are screwed before they even get started.

[Blue & Gold]

yep. Dont throw stones in a glass house.

Also, read an article the other day where Bowden wants Akron to be #1 on the totem pole in Ohio...behind Ohio State. How do some of you feel about that comment?

This is a healthy and realistic goal. Of course we want to be on the top of the totem pole, period, in the Akron area. Columbus State should be regarded as sucking it around here. The rest of the state? Obviously they won't feel that way. That's fine. Cleveland? Never. The Cleveland media would never allow Akron to be taken seriously, as long as it is in their power.

[akzipper]

What "distraction" has Tressel been to us? Because his press conference was right after a very poor signing class? Because he's taking an administrative position that has nothing to do with athletics? Because he wants to see students and UA succeed?

[UAZip0510]

I wanted to bump this back to the top because it is a good post.

One thing the hiring of Tressel has done is provide a distraction from the positive move of hiring TB. Did I say distractions?

Distractions...distractions...distractions. Tressel coming to campus puts the Athletic Department in the NCAA's spotlight. Basically, the NCAA threw Tressel out of college athletics with the five year show cause penalty and now we let him back in approximately four months later to help raise money for our Athletic Department knowing he was thrown out of college athletics. Don't think the NCAA won't be watching closely. Don't think they won't be looking for a reason to screw us over if they can. I can't believe there are too many people working at the NCAA who aren't at least a little pissed off at Akron about this. Not the best position you want to put the Department in. Tressel has a way of making everything around him about him. HE is the distraction in a time when the football program badly needs to recover from TW's horrible decision to hire Coach I.

Some on this board keep saying, "Everyone cheats". OK then...Why do we want to give the NCAA a reason to start looking around? The more they look around, the more they find. Is that a good position for us to be in? Do our student athletes and coaches need that kind of attention? Do we want reported in the local media that the NCAA is sniffing around even if there is noting wrong going on?...Remember how bad things got when Reno sent a text or whatever he did? The nice thing about being a MAC school is the NCAA doesn't come looking around because it is largely an irrelevancy, and that is good for the schools because they can't afford to hire the people to fend off an NCAA investigation.

In my opinion, this act of desperation was very short sighted by Dr. Proenza. Getting back to ZipsWin!'s post....It is 90% idiotic and 10% genius. We had better hope the NCAA isn't part of the idiotic part or, TB and his staff are screwed before they even get started.

This move wasn't made on a whim. This came after several months of discussion that surely including several months of LP considering the pros and cons of hiring Tressel. LP isn't going to let everything he worked for with this university go up in flames. He certainly has his flaws, but one of LP's greatest traits is he is a planner that has long-term vision of what he wants to accomplish. After careful consideration, he decided that Jim Tressel could help him achieve those goals.

Jim Tressel isn't a bad person. Some of you demonize him, but I've never heard a former player talk negatively about him. He has broken rules in the past. Some, like me, believe he did so because he thought he could simply handle everything in-house. Others believe he did so to keep his National Title hopes alive. Unless you're Jim Tressel, we're all just guessing. Maybe it was even a little of both. If you don't think 95% of BCS head coaches have handled an infraction in-house instead of self-reporting, I'm just not sure you're in touch with college sports. Some say that's an excuse, but I call it reality. Tressel's biggest mistake was lying once the infraction was discovered by the NCAA. Because of that terrible decision, he lost everything. Had he come clean, he'd probably still be at Ohio State.

Back to Dr. Proenza. There is absolutely no way LP is going to let Tressel anywhere near the athletic department and/or recruits in the near future. However, he can still help athletics in a roundabout way. If Jim Tressel can raise money from donors and increase the profile of the University, that money can go toward academics. The additional academic money will then allow LP to reallocate to athletic-related projects, such as a new basketball arena. Akron gets improvements to the athletic program with indirect help from Tressel. Tressel repairs his image and becomes a head coach or athletic director here or somewhere else in 3-5 years. It's a win-win for both parties involved.

I'm not going to engage in debate with people who will clearly hate Ohio State so much that they cannot possibly consider the upside to this. I respect your opinions, I just believe them to be short-sighted and emotional. Debating them will get us nowhere. Instead, I'll just think of you when I'm sitting in the brand new, 10,000 arena that will be built thanks in large part to the fundraising of that Devil Jim Tressel.

[NewZipsFan]

What "distraction" has Tressel been to us? Because his press conference was right after a very poor signing class? Because he's taking an administrative position that has nothing to do with athletics? Because he wants to see students and UA succeed?

Very poor signing class? Really? Because there aren't a lot of pretty, shiny stars? This group is going to surprise a lot of people, I guess.

[Zipmeister]

yep. Dont throw stones in a glass house.

Also, read an article the other day where Bowden wants Akron to be #1 on the totem pole in Ohio...behind Ohio State. How do some of you feel about that comment?

That's a pretty lofty goal given our current situation. I would be thrilled if we could become the Tulsa of Ohio.

[akzipper]

That's a pretty lofty goal given our current situation. I would be thrilled if we could become the Tulsa of Ohio.

A mediocre C-USA school with mediocre facilities? no thanks

[skip-zip]

As I've said a million times, it's not a jealousy towards OSU it's their annoying obnoxious fans most of us cannot stand. They carry the idea with them that since they live in Ohio it automatically makes them a diehard fan of that team. They go to walmart and buy a piece of crap jersey and all of a sudden they turn into a complete a-hole and this allows them to talk smack on my school, Akron, when they have never actually stepped foot in an OSU classroom. The whole "akron doesn't count" attitude that has plagued northeast ohio, is the reason we hate them.

Good post.

It's hysterical that they see it otherwise in their own delusional minds. With all of the embarrassing things that have happned to them in their recent history, both on and off the field, you'd think that they would keep their mouths shut and hide under a rock.

But nope, here they are

[Zipmeister]

A mediocre C-USA school with mediocre facilities? no thanks

A school that is the third best in its state and could whip our ass in almost all sports. I'll take it.

[Buckzip]

As I've said a million times, it's not a jealousy towards OSU it's their annoying obnoxious fans most of us cannot stand. They carry the idea with them that since they live in Ohio it automatically makes them a diehard fan of that team. They go to walmart and buy a piece of crap jersey and all of a sudden they turn into a complete a-hole and this allows them to talk smack on my school, Akron, when they have never actually stepped foot in an OSU classroom. The whole "akron doesn't count" attitude that has plagued northeast ohio, is the reason we hate them.

You and a couple other guys use that same flawed logic as your excuse. I lived in Ohio, near Akron, my entire life up until 5 years ago when i had to move to Atlanta. It's amazing that you guys have met so many of these people and I have never met 1 that acts like that. Also, I have never seen people talk down to Akron. I am not saying none of this happens, but it certainly doesn't happen to the extreme you guys say it does, or I also would have seen it.

I don't doubt at all that if it happens to you it is because you initiate it.

2 things that you guys seem to never realize:

1-You are in Ohio. Of course there are a lot of OSU fans. If you were in Michigan, there would be a lot of Michigan fans. If you were in Iowa, there are a lot of Iowa fans. Wherever you are, the largest school is going to have the most fans. Every fan base has their share of idiot fans.

2-OSU has one of the largest alumni bases in the nation. You are going to run into OSU fans. Sorry. Your assumption that all OSU fans aren't OSU grads is very flawed.

I must be an Akron honk by some peoples definition here.

When I was a kid, I wore Akron grear, went to multiple Akron games every year and lived and died by Akron football.

My parents, non Akron grads, used to take me to those games. In your logic, we should never have gone and cheered because we weren't Akrong grads. But of course, not that I am an Akron grad, it is ok.

I don't really have a problem with you as you don't have to bash OSU and make up OSU bs like skippy and a few others do all the time. But the small penis syndrome really does get old.

[bobbyake]

You and a couple other guys use that same flawed logic as your excuse. I lived in Ohio, near Akron, my entire life up until 5 years ago when i had to move to Atlanta. It's amazing that you guys have met so many of these people and I have never met 1 that acts like that. Also, I have never seen people talk down to Akron. I am not saying none of this happens, but it certainly doesn't happen to the extreme you guys say it does, or I also would have seen it.

I don't doubt at all that if it happens to you it is because you initiate it.

2 things that you guys seem to never realize:

1-You are in Ohio. Of course there are a lot of OSU fans. If you were in Michigan, there would be a lot of Michigan fans. If you were in Iowa, there are a lot of Iowa fans. Wherever you are, the largest school is going to have the most fans. Every fan base has their share of idiot fans.

2-OSU has one of the largest alumni bases in the nation. You are going to run into OSU fans. Sorry. Your assumption that all OSU fans aren't OSU grads is very flawed.

I must be an Akron honk by some peoples definition here.

When I was a kid, I wore Akron grear, went to multiple Akron games every year and lived and died by Akron football.

My parents, non Akron grads, used to take me to those games. In your logic, we should never have gone and cheered because we weren't Akrong grads. But of course, not that I am an Akron grad, it is ok.

I don't really have a problem with you as you don't have to bash OSU and make up OSU bs like skippy and a few others do all the time. But the small penis syndrome really does get old.

do you save all your arguments in Word/Pages documents?

[Buckzip]

Good post.

It's hysterical that they see it otherwise in their own delusional minds. With all of the embarrassing things that have happned to them in their recent history, both on and off the field, you'd think that they would keep their mouths shut and hide under a rock.

But nope, here they are

What's hysterical is that you are so jealous that it has clouded any ability you have to be rational.

In the last decade, 1 NC, played in 2 other NC, played in, and won, more BCS games than any other school, yet you say they are embarrassing. Oops, some players traded their own stuff for some free tats. Wow.

Never let facts get in the way of your jealousy and unfounded hatred.

It's funny how you think OSU fans should shut up, but yet it's ALWAYS Akron fans starting the BS.

LOL at how much of a fool you make yourself look like.

[GP1]

He certainly has his flaws, but one of LP's greatest traits is he is a planner that has long-term vision of what he wants to accomplish. After careful consideration, he decided that Jim Tressel could help him achieve those goals.

Back to Dr. Proenza. There is absolutely no way LP is going to let Tressel anywhere near the athletic department and/or recruits in the near future. However, he can still help athletics in a roundabout way.

Let's stick with Dr. P because my post was in no way about osu.

I think Dr. P is a great planner in that he is good at getting things built. If The Big Dialer is any indication, he is horrible at getting things built and THEN following through. His hiring of TW was not good as TW hired Coach I.

Secondly, it doesn't matter what he allows Tressel to go near. This isn't about Tressel directly. It is about the NCAA getting a hard on for Akron because they hired a guy to raise money for an Athletic Deparment that has been thrown out of college athletics. That's a fact and nothting to do with hating osu, etc. Tressel being a distraction has nothing to do with OSU and everything to do with everywhere the guy goes everything becomes about him and not the institution. Here we go again....

[LosAngelesZipFan]

I don't care what he married into. People always want more.

What is the max retirement benefit in Ohio and how is it reached?

"According to a letter from Proenza, Tressel retired from the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System in June 2011." From http://education.ohio.com/2012/02/tressel%...arved-in-stone/

JT isn't here for his pension or the money. He must have banked $15M+ over the years. It's not the weather. It's not because UA adds to his stature or is the logical place to go as a steppingstone. He's here because he and Dr. P felt uber-aligned about the impact a place like UA could have. JT is here because he believes he has lots more to give. He's here to have impact.

There is certainly a good chance that he will leave in 12, 18, 24 months. Who cares? He is the kind of guy that can make a big impact in a short period of time.

I understand the concerns expressed here, but the opportunity afforded by having him on board, advancing UA in 30 different ways, more than outweighs them imho. I think its incredibly exciting.

Btw, isn't KD here today because he had an issue a few years back that knocked him off-track? Shit happens and you move on.

[Buckzip]

I would bet so. He saves them under a file titled, "Douche bag".

Just ignore it Buckzip. You are annoying and I don't think you really come on this board to talk Akron sports as much as you come on to police to board to make sure nobody is saying anything about OSU. How does living in SEC country and the lack of respect anyone down here has for OSU feel? Better yet, don't respond.

I wondered how long it would take you to pile on. LOL. You are such a coward.

Actually you are right they are saved under douchebag. They are just random responses for you and your fellow SPS sufferers. They could all be the same response replying to you and your fellow SPS sufferers.

You say I don't come here to talk Akron sports, yet I have still never started an OSU thread. Ever. Nice try.

I have started plenty of UA threads though. Perhaps if you guys weren't so obsessed with OSU I wouldn't need to reply.

I like living in SEC country. Most down here respect OSU. Most feel OSU is the only team up north that can compete with them. Of course they then ask where Akron is when they see my license plate.

Come on over to the OSU Scout board GP1. we can discuss football and see how uninformed you really are.

Of course you are too much of a coward to do that. You would never want to go where the masses aren't on your side. LOL

How's that Bryan Wagner to OSU thing going? ROFLMAO

[zippy5]

This is embarrassing

[LZIp]

As I've said a million times, it's not a jealousy towards OSU it's their annoying obnoxious fans most of us cannot stand. They carry the idea with them that since they live in Ohio it automatically makes them a diehard fan of that team. They go to walmart and buy a piece of crap jersey and all of a sudden they turn into a complete a-hole and this allows them to talk smack on my school, Akron, when they have never actually stepped foot in an OSU classroom. The whole "akron doesn't count" attitude that has plagued northeast ohio, is the reason we hate them.

So wait..show what OSU fan on here is being annoying and obnoxious? Also, if you have a problem with OSU FANS, why do you let it cloud your judgement of Tressel? I guess liking the Jim Tressel hire is annoying and obnoxious. I'd consider myself a diehard fan. I had a cousin who played for OSU (Brian Hartline). I've done OSU classwork. I've even forked over money to go out to Pasadena and watch OSU win a Rose Bowl. I'd do the same damned thing with Akron as well.

?

Who is saying "Akron sucks" and "Akron doesnt count"? You, my friend, are the delusional one.

[K92]

I hereby propose a moratorium on OSU discussion. All in favor say aye.

[RootforRoo44]

@BuckZip

I'm shocked you've never come across one of those "douchey" OSU fans. Trust me, they exist...and they're EVERYWHERE.

Also, I personally don't think there is anything wrong with you being an Akron fan when you were growing up even if your parents weren't alumni and you didn't have any affiliation/association with the school, BUT you lived near or in Akron (i'm guessing), and that's a fine reason to be a Zip. Now people living in Akron rooting for OSU with no affiliation other than their walmart jersey and their Ohio residence is an entirely different story. Cowlumbus is NOT Akron. ROOt for the home team, not one 2 hours away!

@GP1

Come on man, BuckZip is one of the good Zips fans. He may be a bit misaligned with his allegiance, but he's better than 99% of the OSU fans. And regarding the Tressel thing: Will you eat crow when he raises the entire cost of the new arena, does nothing wrong, and moves on from UA having left it in a better place than he found it?

@skipzip

We get it, you hate JT and the Buckeyes...i hate OSU too. But Tressel deserves a second chance, and you're kidding yourself if you don't think he could do A LOT for UA. Let's have a little faith in Louie P and his big plans.

@everyone else

IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE A ZIP SO STOP FIGHTING WITH EACH OTHER!!! We have Terry Bowden, Chuck Amato, Jim Tressel, Caleb Porter, Keith Dambrot, and Rick Rembielak. Things are looking good!