The resignation of Jim Tressel was, in my mind, a foregone conclusion. After a five game suspension, a slew of NCAA violations surfaced, and speculation of much more being uncovered, resigning was the only and right course of action for Jim Tressel.
When leaders fall, we always as the same questions- “Why? What were they thinking? Did they think they could get away with it? How much did they know? How could someone violate the ‘public trust’?”
The blame does rest with Tressel, who knew about improper payments or gifts to athletes and did not report them to the NCAA or to the school. That is called a sin of omission- when you avoid doing something that you know you should do or are required to do.
Of course, the second thing about Tressel’s actions was that he lied or misled investigators about what he knew. Lying always reveals other sins, because rarely does someone lie just for the fun of it. Lying is always a way to avoid getting caught, or to keep something hush-hush. So where there is a lie, there will always be other sins underneath.
OSU will suffer fallout from this episode, but the one thing that really irks me is that other than a stained personal reputation, there is essentially no consequence for the coach himself. He is paid millions of dollars for his services, and I assume the University will not ask for any of that money back. Of course, they will not pay him a severance because of his actions, but essentially he gets to walk away without consequence.
That brings up the age-old tension between grace and truth. Of course, when someone admits they have done wrong and repents, God shows us grace. There is no sins so deep that it is beyond God’s forgiveness, and scripture affirms that when we come to God, he will forgive (1 John 1:9). The question is where does the truth come in? Grace without truth is naive ignorance, but truth without grace can be barbaric. Truth often comes in through worldly consequences- the sins we commit do have fallout that will affect ourselves and others. For Tressel and the OSU players, many of them may not get to play in a bowl game because of his actions- this seems unfair to players who had nothing to do with the violations- but it is a worldly consequence nonetheless.
Jesus had a great example of grace and truth when he confronted the woman who was caught in adultery. In John 7:53-8:11, a woman is about to be stoned who was caught in adultery. After the accusers are ready to go through with the punishment, Jesus says to them, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” Realizing their own sinfulness, each of the accusers walks away. Jesus comforts the woman by saying, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Do you see both halves? Jesus gave grace, but he also gave truth- “Go now and leave your life of sin.” The gospel (which means the good news about Jesus Christ) is both grace and truth. God loves us so much that any “prodigal” can return to God after making a mess of his or her life. But at the same time, God loves us too much to continue in patterns of sin. He loves us too much to let us stay where we are. That is the truth part. Thankfully, God gives us his Holy Spirit who begins in us the desire for change, the desire for an abundant, more fulfilling life.
There are no excuses for Jim Tressel, and the consequences of his actions will continue to be seen for a while. But let’s hope that he sees that grace and truth operate together- so that we can change for the better.
