Do you have more comments and questions? Contact me at bwhite1@dispatch.com. Lettering is lightly edited for clarity.
In Ohio State football
To the editor: On December 8, The Dispatch wrote an article about the questionable return of wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The Biletnikoff winner and Heisman finalist is a respected prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft but is still unsure about his future. He was rumored to have been offered millions to return for another year, leading the Buckeyes to glory. This spending allows college football’s powers to further separate themselves from the pack and leave others fighting for scraps. This is not a competitive way to jockey for power in the world of sports, and is often looked down upon by up-and-coming programs. Does this use of the NIL destroy the integrity of college football and the future of these young stars? This use of NIL relates to the political world after Citizens United vs. The FEC held that restrictions on soft money spending were unconstitutional. The issue allowed unlimited spending on political campaigns and greatly increased the role of money in the nomination landscape. This destroys the hopes of third-party candidates in the race because their funding is outdated relative to the two major political parties. These practices are unethical and must be eliminated to level the playing field.
Matthew Mertz, Carol
To the editor: Kyle McCord = Joe Burrow? very funny! More like Austin Moherman.
Winfield Cartwright
To Winfield: If you asked me to write down the 10,000 names that might arrive in our mailboxes this week, Austin Mohrman would not be among them. Well done.
To Brian: It was good to get a perspective on the current Buckeyes team from Craig Krenzel. Understandably, much of his focus was on the Michigan game. There’s that intangible (implicit) factor that’s hard to describe: what seemed like tightness during the Cooper years is something different now — that lack of grit (aka “fight” or “heart”) that Craig discussed, which is usually inculcated over time In Box Lacon. It’s a “leave it all in the field” approach. I still remember the 42-41 win (2013) under Meyer’s tutelage. Michigan QB Devin Gardner’s final two-point conversion pass was broken up. He quickly lay down on the ground after doing everything he could. An image of sincerity.
Buckeye fans enjoyed Jonathan Wells making Tressel’s claim come true as well as Troy Smith and the OSU defenses winning four straight goals against top Lloyd Carr. Earl Bruce won three of five games in Ann Arbor. But is this lack of determination/heart/intensity the reason why Coach Day couldn’t win in the end? I think Oller should interview more former players about this or related topics. It is attractive material. Ultimately, something must change – an outcome that may take another year – to convince the waiting nation.
Larry Cheek, Dublin
Aboard the Columbus Crew
To the editor: I hope the glorious crew can provide Rob Oller with the winning format for how to write a tournament sports article worthy of print in The Dispatch. You’ve yet to read a hero-caliber article from Rob Oller in all the time he’s been working weirdly at The Dispatch. The crew won the tournament. Celebrate it! However, Ohler’s mystery pushes readers to the depths of despair due to his misappropriation of victory. I wish The Dispatch had higher standards of writing achievement.
Daniel Finn, Worthington
To DanielRob has won many prestigious awards for his writing, but we will continue to support his efforts to reach championship level. I think his writing will have your approval long before the Blue Jackets win a playoff game.
To the editor: I have been a subscriber for many years and have been a fan of Crew since its inception. One of the main reasons I decided to subscribe to the newspaper was because I felt like I was missing important information about one of my favorite teams all season. It’s amazing how much has happened to this franchise in the last few years. From the time I was about to leave town to now winning my third MLS Cup, it’s been an amazing journey to be a part of from a fan standpoint. In last week’s newspaper, someone commented about wanting to see more coverage of the Ohio State women’s basketball team. I agree with that statement, but I would also like to see more coverage of the crew, especially around the holiday. I know that Ohio State football is king, and that the Blue Jackets have a bigger squad and play more games in their season, but the Crew has a history of winning championships, and they now play a type of football that is easier on the eyes, and that can potentially… They attract neutrals to go to games and buy goods. I know you’re limited on space and you’ve just hired a new writer, but it would be great to see more stories about a club that is clearly moving in the right direction. Congratulations to the owners, staff, management and players on an incredible season. What Wilfred Nancy has proven so far. Keep up the excellent work.
Biz Sasiri, Mount Vernon
On Columbus Blue Jackets
To the editor: The name is apt: Sweaters definitely make me blue. Their slogan, “We are indivisible,” must be changed to “Ourselves are indefensible.” But this is not the fault of the players, nor even the fault of the coach. That falls on the front office. Brad Larsen and Pascal Vincent may one day be excellent head coaches, but young players are recruited to the AHL so they can develop their game and enhance their skills, and inexperienced coaches are no different. Being an assistant coach is a far cry from being a head coach, and the NHL is too tough, too competitive and too unforgiving for either to be thrown into the fire like that without a chance to learn from their mistakes. The Blue Jackets don’t need a bully like John Tortorella or a tyrant like Mike Babcock. What they need is an experienced staff that can take a mix of experienced and inexperienced players and mold them into a unit that plays as a team for sixty minutes of game, after game, after game.
Philip Green, Cedarville
In Ohio State basketball
To the editor: Thank you, Jim Seibert, for bringing this to everyone’s attention. We attend many matches as half-season ticket holders. This particular announcer is obnoxious, and you can’t understand the names he says as he pulls out names from every OSU player who makes a basket. It would be better to announce it in a casual tone. He doesn’t enjoy doing this. The sound on the Schott is truly deafening, and my wife wears earplugs. It just adds noise that is not necessary. We were at the match on December 3rd, there was a different announcer and he was much better. You could actually understand what he was saying. Hopefully OSU will take fans into consideration on this matter.
Beth Dulk, Delaware
There is golf
To the editor: The latest drama in the world of PGA and LIV golf? Jon Rahm defected to LIV for up to $300 million even though he had previously badmouthed them (before the big dollar offer). Well, as far as I know, $300 million can’t buy respect, its absence will follow it just like its bearer. But when do we forget in today’s monetary world.
Susan B. West, Athens
In Ohio Sports
Dear Editor: Ohio State sports teams seem to have a very bad habit of holding on to individuals long past their expiration date. The Buckeyes got rid of Earl Bruce (for winning “only” nine games) and went with John Cooper for 13 long, sad years. The Cincinnati Bengals stuck with Marvin Lewis for 16 years, during which time they won zero playoff games.
The Blue Jackets appear to have a similar appeal to Finn Fulop, also known as general manager Jarmo Kekalainen. It’s been around for 10 years, and the last several years have been disappointing, to put it mildly. He can’t pick a squat-worthy coach, he’s given up veteran after veteran and specifically has a high-profile free agent signing. Time to hit the road, Jar Jar.
Michael A. Frank Wapakoneta
On high school sports
To the editor: The OHSAA is considering adding more divisions to the playoffs for sports such as football, basketball and baseball. I believe the OHSAA should not add more divisions for the postseason tournament for boys soccer and other sports as well. Ultimately, that’s because it could give schools like Canal Winchester, DeSales and St. Charles is an easier competitor in the playoffs. Currently, these schools face great competition in D1, and this really helps with the development of players on those teams. But if the OHSAA moved it to a seven-division playoff instead of just three, those schools would become D2. I think this could affect the development of players on those teams and cause the divisions to have the same winners every year.
Carter Phillips, Winchester Canal
In college football versus the NFL
To the editor: I’ll throw this in for consideration. You just watched a great football game between Army and Navy. My favorite game for many years. This game confirmed my thinking. That is, how enjoyable this level of football is in relation to the current state of professional football. This match today was played cleanly. That is, it is not played NFL style, with catch and pass interference on every play. I realize that NFL players are elite. But rarely does an NFL game go by that you don’t hold your breath and someone doesn’t hold your breath or interfere. Is this how NFL coaches teach their players? Pro football might bring me back to baseball.
Tom Ayres, New Albany
To Tom: The one thing pro football has over college is parity. Rarely do you see a full day of blowouts that hold up the season. But, yeah, when college football has a few good first-team matchups, it tops the NFL. They are very rare.
More mailbox:
Will Ohio State football fans see Kyle McCord become another Joe Burrow?
Some are supportive, but many Ohio State football fans are angry with Ryan Day
The Big Ten has been unfair to Jim Harbaugh, and the Dispatch’s coverage couldn’t be more biased
Readers have opinions about cheating in Michigan football and want Jim Harbaugh fired
Readers unhappy with Ohio State football, newspaper deadlines
Ohio State football quarterback Dallan Hayden could be fun to watch next year
One yard and a cloud of dust is a bad strategy for Ohio State football
Readers are unhappy with the negativity of Peacock and Bigfoot’s live broadcast and transmission
Ohio State Peacock football game teases readers
Get more Ohio State football news by listening to our podcasts
College football has long been a beloved pastime for millions of fans across the country, with the fierce competition often providing a sense of pride and camaraderie for both players and fans. However, the integrity of this beloved sport has come into question in recent years, as the debate over the use of zero money in college football has sparked controversy. While some argue that the use of zero money corrupts the integrity of the game, others contend that it is a necessary aspect of the sport. This ongoing discussion has raised important considerations about the impact of financial incentives on the purity of college football, and whether or not zero money detracts from the overall spirit of the game.