LB Phil Strickland (official thread)

[Buckskin86]

[/IMG]

"It's a sad day in Buckeye land, but we will come back," former All-Big Ten linebacker Phil Strickland said Wednesday during the Marion County Youth Foundation's Charity-Celebrity Golf Outing at the Marion Country Club.

"Jim Tressel is a good man. It's just a situation where loyalties sometimes get in the way of good sense, especially the coach," Strickland said. "Some of it got out of hand because of kids being kids. Most of these kids were not born with silver spoons in their mouths. They get notoriety and a way to earn some finances and they go after it."

The idea of paying college athletes in order to avoid such potential pitfalls has been discussed by many in the collegiate circles over the past few years but not acted upon.

Strickland hinted it may be time to give the notion a serious look.

"I think the NCAA, in their infinite wisdom, needs to change a little bit," Strickland said. "They are making money hand over fist. Everybody seems to be living well, except for the kids."

"Luke will change the program and bring it into a new era," Strickland said. "I'm glad to see them give a young person a chance."

http://www.marionstar.com/article/20110619/SPORTS/106190326/Buckeyes-will-back?odyssey=nav|head