Our Honor Defend

We knew this was coming, with Clifford’s most recent run-in only making the decision come soon or later.  Eugene Clifford, a back-up safety for the Buckeyes, was given his release from the football team.  The decision follows more than a week after Tressel said the staff was going to decide on his football future.

Presently, all indicators lead to Clifford winding up at a 1-AA school so he can play immediately, with Tennessee State looking as the likely candidate.  Eastern Kentucky and Western Carolina, both 1-AA schools, have also been mentioned as possible destinations.  Louisville, another 1-AA team (yeah, I said it), was also mentioned.

Unfortunate as it may be that a promising career at Ohio State has prematurely come to a close, I am more than willing to part with someone who is a liability off the field.  I’ve always felt it a little odd when fans tell a player that he zigged when he should’ve zagged, or that he missed this assignment or what-have-you, but I think players owe it to the Buckeye community to be on their best behavior, on the streets and in the classroom.  Clifford seemed to struggle with this.

I hope Clifford turns it around wherever he winds up.