Reader comes to Rob Oller’s defense, and what Is Ross Bjork doing?

Have more comments, questions? Reach out to me at bwhite1@dispatch.com. Letters are lightly edited for clarity.

On Ohio State basketball/Rob Oller

Hi Brian: I read the brief from Danny Finn and felt compelled to chime in. Rob Oller is a good journalist. His opinions seem to be unbiased and transparent. He compliments OSU and its sports achievements when it’s appropriate, but also points out flaws when prudent. I love OSU and its sports programs, but also welcome straightforward observations.

Regarding the Schott and attendance, the truth lies in the middle. Both views are probably accurate. I really like coach Diebler, but we all have to admit he isn’t a big-name coach that immediately attracted big-name recruits. That doesn’t mean he won’t have success, but I agree with Rob to some extent. I also agree that the Schott probably isn’t the best basketball arena, but I thought its purpose was to be multifunctional, which makes its current design appropriate.

The main point I’m making here is, I like Rob! He responds to my emails and I consider him a friend. I like his articles and appreciate his professionalism.

Mark Schriml

To Mark: Thanks for the kudos for our man Rob. He is indeed a professional who can be relied on to deliver unbiased, reasoned opinions. He’s not a fan, and he’s not out to get everybody. He does his best to tell us how he sees it.

Ohio State guard John Mobley Jr. slaps hands with fans following a win over Penn State on Jan. 26.

On Ohio State football

To the editor: Some may say the play-calling in the Indiana and Miami games was Ohio State’s greatest embarrassment this year. I, however, think it was Ross Bjork trying to steal the 25-year-old terrible towel tradition from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ohio State pays him $2 million a year plus bonuses, and that’s the best you can come up with to enhance the brand? By the way, this was tried in the ’90s with an all-white towel. Now, to save Ross some embarrassment, don’t make a big deal out of first downs. That was tried before until an announcer on a national television network said, “For God’s sake, act like you have been there before.” Ross, come up with unique ideas. Don’t steal another group’s. This was really sad and embarrassing.

Josh Mathias, Dublin

To Brian: In response to Jeremiah Smith’s OSU Mount Rushmore, mine would be Chic Harley, Archie Griffin, Michael Doss and Orlando Pace. Smith did not include anyone on defense. The 2002 championship that returned OSU to prominence doesn’t happen without Doss returning for his senior year. Maybe Smith is unfamiliar with him or Harley, who would do well to even make the team today, but because of him, a stadium was built and a tradition begun.

Dennis Singleton, Dayton

On the Super Bowl halftime show

To the editor: Each year I watch the Super Bowl on a real television with my 7-year-old grandson. It’s more than just a football game for us. It’s an American ritual of sportsmanship, laughter and shared memories. We watch for the game, the commercials and, yes, the halftime show. It’s one of the few nights we can sit together without cell phones or video games and simply enjoy being together, like when my family watched “Bonanza” together on Sunday night.

That’s why I was disappointed to hear that this year’s halftime performer will be Bad Bunny, whoever that is. From what I could tell, Mr. Bunny’s lyrics and performances are filled with profanity and explicit gestures. I don’t want my grandson being exposed to this. He will grow up too soon as it is and will learn vulgar things and mimic them, but not on my watch. The Super Bowl should unite generations, not make parents and grands uncomfortable about what the child is seeing.

If I had my choice, halftime would feature something uplifting and timeless – perhaps Beethoven’s 9th played by the Columbus Symphony. Imagine that: a celebration of excellence, artistry, and unity that truly represents the best of who we are.

Let’s keep the Super Bowl a family event, not just a spectacle.

Michael N. Oser, Upper Arlington

On Indiana football

To Brian: I believed JFK when he said a man would walk on the moon, and I believed we would begin electing an African American to be president. But I never thought I’d ever see Indiana Hoosiers football become so dominant and win a national championship, and they showed class in doing so, unlike Miami, who showed they’re still the contemptable U. Good for you, Indiana. Welcome to the top shelf. Now the real trick is to stay there. Just ask preseason No. Texas, No. 2 Penn State or No. 4 Clemson.

Dennis Singleton, Dayton

On college athletics

To Brian: College sports could be losing more distinction from the pros with the addition of uniform patches. Do we want more advertising at our college venues? With maybe 20-25 schools “equipped” to make the CFP – Tulane and JMU gave little hope for future outliers – will less-profitable schools seek respect via revenue-sharing? Will seats continue to fill while receiving alumni support from a new generation? Is stability lost with a burgeoning portal and NIL issues, including high schools? Food for thought for anyone there to digest.

Larry Cheek, Dublin

To the editor: The Browns were terrible again this past season. Another losing record. No playoffs. Same old heartbreak. And yet I’m still a fan for life.

My father made me one. He took me to a game when I was young and I froze my tush off in the stands. He felt sorry for me, and being the great doctor that he was, he brought me hot chocolate as a medical intervention. The Browns still lost – of course they did – but I was sitting next to my dad, watching my team, feeling like I belonged to something.

That’s what being a Browns fan is really about. Loyalty bigger than winning. Memories bigger than standings.

The Browns may lose again next year. They probably will. But that memory never does. Thanks, Dad.

Michael N. Oser, Upper Arlington

On Michigan football

To the editor: It has been ZERO days since the University of _ichigan admitted that they cheated, apologized for it or expressed any shame, guilt or remorse for having done it.

Cheaters!

John Tripp

On college football

To Brian: The four games on the first weekend of the CFP fit nicely into four TV windows. Expanding to 16 teams would mean eight games that first weekend, and how would that be scheduled? I assume they would have games overlap, which might not be so bad. And taking four more teams into the playoffs would likely require four more five-win teams playing in other bowl games, which would further diluting their significance.

Dennis Singleton, Dayton

On college sports

To the editor: College football is pure joy when the Buckeyes win. But college athletics is turning into a legal mess, and it’s draining the fun.

I love lawyers. I am one. So is my wife, my two daughters and my son-in-law. But I don’t want lawyers suing their way onto the football field.

In Ohio, we now have high school athletes suing over NIL rules. In college, the transfer portal and NIL have turned too many players chasing the next deal. Fans aren’t naive. Money is part of sports. But when every rule gets litigated, every season starts to feel like a courtroom drama.

Sports needs a clear rulebook that’s fair, stable and understandable. If lawmakers and athletic leaders won’t write it, judges will, and we’ll keep paying the price in chaos.

So here’s my plea from Buckeye Nation: Keep the lawyers off the football field and let the kids just play ball.

Michael N. Oser, Upper Arlington

On announcers from Ohio State

It is no doubt that Ohio State athletics produce the best professional athletes. It is also beyond question that the Buckeyes produce the best announcers. Herbie, Clark and Urban are the best commentators/announcers/analysts in the business. This is a tribute to the work ethic that being a Buckeye instilled in them. Eat your heart out, Howard Cosell. Imagine how great you would have been if you were a Buckeye.

Michael Oser, Columbus