If it were players going on on their own and getting this stuff, I would consider it more "minor." However, word is that Tressel himself was setting some of this stuff up, AND he was covering it up for years, lying, etc. THAT is the major part.
Like you said, WORD IS. That's the problem I've had with this thread from the start. A number of you are operating under the notion that this is all fact. The fact is that Tressel didn't fully disclose knowledge of infractions. Call me biased all you want, and maybe I'm a pessimist, but I assume that's part of every head coach's job: I'm sure if Tressel marched into Gene Smith's office every time he saw a flashy car in the 'Shoe's parking lot or a new tattoo on someone's arm, he'd have had some real job security 🙄 . Part of his job is to buffer the university.
Like it or not, that's college football. If you can't stomach it, watch synchronized swimming.
Hate the game, not the player.