Is the Big Ten the Dirtiest Conference in Recent History?
The Ohio State Buckeyes have advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 1999. According to the Buckeyes official records, however, it’s the first time since 1968. That’s because the Buckeyes have taken down all evidence of the 1999 appearance and stricken it from all official records as part of their penalties for major recruiting violations that occurred in that time under then Coach Jim O’Brien. Of course it’s unfair to label the whole conference as dirty because of isolated incidents. Still, the Big Ten teams (and especially their fans) love to hold out their conference as all that is good and pure of conferences — isn’t that right Commissioner Delany? Exemplifying the student athlete and how they have programs that do things right and succeed. Or do they? Consider the following for their basketball programs: • 1999 — Ohio State makes the Final Four, but the visit has been officially expunged because of major recruiting violations. • 1997 — Minnesota makes the Final Four
