Updates ...

I've been a bit remiss and did not post the announcement by the Big Ten on Monday that Kurt Coleman, Buckeye captain and starting safety, had been suspended for this Saturday's game at Indiana. Coleman, clearly guilty of a late hit late in the game vs. Illinois, was suspended by the conference. The conference employed a rule that calls for a review of all personal foul calls that do not result in the ejection of the player. The conference viewed Coleman's hit, that clearly involved his helmet, as more deliberate including the "crown" of the helmet and deliberate and against a defenseless opponent. Review the tape. That's not exactly what happened. More like the side of his helmet, but clearly involving his helmet.

However, it should be noted that before the game began, there was a bit of a tussle at midfield. In 2007, Illinois had enjoyed stomping on the Block O at the center of the field, and apparently there was a bit of jawing regarding that event and a lot of taunting. Some of that apparently involved Coleman (sadly) and his victim, backup Illinois QB Eddie McGee. Whether the one incident led to the other?????

Coach Tressel and AD Gene Smith released a statement following the Big Ten's decision. The statement itself ruffled a few feathers here in C-bus, particularly among the media-types who found it a bit self-serving but nonetheless, I found their statement to be a support statement for the team captain who, by all measures, is not the type of guy to do any intentional harm. Local personality and Buckeye hero Chris Spielman came out vehemently against the conference's decision.

Orhian Johnson, the redshirt freshman, appears to gain the most playing time as a result of the suspension.

On a somewhat related note, news came out yesterday that USC RB Stefon Johnson was involved in a horrible weight room accident that resulted in 10 hours of surgery for Johnson. Johnson was lifting and a barbell slipped from his hands and landed on his neck. He was being spotted by an assistant strength coach ... Spielman said on his radio show yesterday that that was why the coach was an assistant ... but nonetheless, he received immediate medical attention. Our prayers for a speedy recovery go out to Johnson and his family. It makes me gag every time I hear the account. ouch!

GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!