Buckeyes Busted: Ohio State will start the season Nov. 20 against Chicago State without point guard Jamar Butler or backup center Matt Terwilliger. Butler and Terwilliger played in a charity three-on-three tournament last spring that did not qualify as an exempted tournament according to NCAA rules. Both will be back for the Buckeyes’ second game against Butler. But the larger issue at hand is an unreasonable rule that discourages student-athletes from using their skills for good causes. The NCAA should re-evaluate the list of OK organized competitions to allow players with good intentions to follow through without worrying about a possible suspension.
[11/13/05]