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No Way to Treat a Friend

vrbryant

Ever thus to ____ers
Staff member
No Way to Treat a Friend
written by vrbryant (6/22/2004)

For me, Ohio State basketball has only ever consistently meant one thing: Jim O’Brien. Prior to his arrival, I was just vaguely aware of some guy named Randy and the crew of flunkies who fielded some team for OSU that didn’t wear helmets and win games. Enter Obie, and two years later we’re in the Final Four. Coach of the Year, national recognition – the whole ball. Suddenly hoops were en vogue again at OSU, and people who had previously paid it no mind and had no concept of the past successes of the program (i.e. me) were fashioning masks out of old basketballs and signing up for season tickets. The trip to the Final Four in ’99 had (in my mind) earned O’Brien a healthy grace period; even after a return to relative mediocrity in the past two seasons, I had plenty of confidence in him as coach and his ability to get the program back in the NCAA Tournament. The man led us to four 20-win seasons, a school record four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, two Big Ten regular-season co-championships (in 2000 and '02), and the 2002 Big Ten tournament championship. Who could have asked for anything more?

The next part of the story requires no elaboration. No re-telling is needed. It’s still as difficult to forget as it was to believe when the story first broke. I’m not sure I understand the allegations any more now than I did then, but what I have decided is that the treatment of O’Brien in his final hours gives me no small amount of displeasure. While I am, as I said, relatively unfamiliar with the intricacies of the lawsuit brought against him, the facts are pretty clear. Two violations were committed, and both involved inappropriate monetary compensations – that much is apparent. They were not, however, the stereotypical recruiting violations. One player was already with the program and simply needed money to live on, and the other’s family was destitute in a foreign country. The latter recruit was, of course, influenced not at all by the gift his he and his loved ones received from a caring friend, and never ended up signing with Ohio State.

Yes, he broke the rules. But the swift kick in the rear O’Brien received after seven years of success and dedicated service seemed unbefitting of a great coach with a good heart. There were no persuasive bonuses. This wasn't like Nick Nolte in Blue Chips giving out new tractors, houses and sacks of cash. I would argue with confidence that none of the money he provided did anything to help the program. This obviously doesn’t change the fact that he did violate regulations, and it certainly shouldn’t make him exempt from punishment, but before Jim could even get a word out, he was ushered out the door with the kind of courtesy and respect you might show a cockroach. Geiger issued him an ultimatum. Resign, or be fired. Did he really expect a man like Jim O'Brien to walk away with his head down and his tail between his legs? Bob Huggins vomits all over himself and practically falls over in front of two police officers, and he is at least given a chance to rectify the situation. Obie admits to making a far less embarrassing mistake, and is given the boot without hesitation. It really upsets me, but I suppose team captain Terence Dials said it best:

“I hate to say it, but this is a thing of the past now. We have to work hard and improve on what we did last season. We didn't have a good year. Our goal is still to be a better team than last year, regardless of who is coaching.”

So while we all do hate to be talking about this while O’Brien’s body is ‘still warm’, so to speak, the reality of the situation is that life goes on, even if it is without the best coach our basketball team has had in decades. The critical question now is, “Who takes over?” Despite preliminary indications to the contrary, there seem to be new speculations every day about Bob Knight returning to his alma mater. I think my feelings on that scenario probably warrant another article entirely, but I will say that I think too much is being made of Knight’s ‘tumultuous’ history. He’s done nothing but win since leaving Indiana, and I see no reason why he would change form if he were to return to Columbus. What Knight brings to the table is invaluable. Impeccable defense, unparalleled work ethic, unheard-of graduation rates, etc. etc. All that aside, though, he would instantly make Ohio State a nationally significant hoops program. When was the last time Dickie V had anything to say about OSU basketball? Too long ago, in my opinion, and Bob would change all that. I don’t know about you, but if he is our next coach, I’ll be right back in line for tickets. The players I’ve spoken to about the potential of Knight’s return can’t help but be excited, and ultimately, I guess that’s what matters most.

I imagine I’ll have some new thoughts once we finally do have a coach again. With all due respect to Rick Boyages, it’s clear that he’s not a permanent fixture. Whoever gets the job, I hope they will actually have the loyalty and support of the AD, and the peace of mind that they’ll be treated with respect. As for Obie, I want nothing more than for him to find success again, and I believe he will.

Good luck, Coach O'Brien.
 
good stuff.....life sucks and o.b. paid a price.....count me as one who wants nothing..nothing to do with knight...nothing to do with him....

there are better candidates out there.
 
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Not sure where the animosity comes from - makes me think there really isn't any. In either case, while he probably did deserve to be dismissed, what he accomplished in his time here should have earned him the right to leave on his own terms.
 
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