The reinstatement of Reggie Bush’s Heisman Trophy has brought to light the question of whether Ohio State football players involved in the ‘Tattoogate’ episode deserve the same pardon from the NCAA. The Trojans were sanctioned by the NCAA for impermissible benefits that Bush accepted during his career, resulting in the forfeiture of the award in 2010. The NCAA’s decision to reinstate Bush’s trophy has raised questions about the fairness and consistency of their disciplinary measures.
Supporters of a pardon for the Ohio State players argue that they, like Bush, were young athletes who made mistakes and have since grown and matured. They believe that the players have been sufficiently punished and deserve a chance to move on with their lives without the stigma of the ‘Tattoogate’ episode.
Opponents of a pardon argue that the Ohio State players’ actions were more severe than Bush’s and that they warrant a more significant punishment. They point to the fact that the players received tattoos from a known tattoo parlor that was frequented by gang members. They also argue that the players knew or should have known that accepting tattoos from the parlor was a violation of NCAA rules.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pardon the Ohio State football players is up to the NCAA. The NCAA will need to weigh the arguments for and against a pardon and make a decision that is fair and consistent with their disciplinary policies.
