Buckeyes parents fire back at Kevin Warren, 'manufactured' letter
COLUMBUS — The Football Parents at Ohio State have fired back.
In documents released by Ohio State earlier this week, Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren appeared to make an accusatory suggestion that the FPAOS wasn’t operating alone when it sent a letter sent last fall when the conference decided to not play football.
“Kevin is alleging that the letter is being manufactured,†Ohio State president Kristina M. Johnson said in a series of text messages to athletic director Gene Smith on Aug. 15. “The upcoming letter from OSU parents – [Warren] claims it is be manufactured – I am not happy pretty serious charge IMHO – but want to keep the eye on the prize.â€
The FPAOS released a response on Twitter to the recent statements made public Friday morning.
“It is disheartening to read reports that our Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren were met with claims that it was ‘manufactured,'” the Football Parents at Ohio State wrote in a release. “It is important to remember our request was simply a transparent process; a structured discussion with the parents to discuss concerns; and information concerning the process.
“To Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren: Reflect, adjust, communicate and do better.”
Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren has been faced with tough decisions all year. (Brian Spurlock/Imagn)
In the August letter Warren suggested was manufactured, the parents requested the commissioner to “provide full transparency to the coaches, players and parents regarding the decision” to cancel the Big Ten schedule due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FPAOS held a rally outside of the Horseshoe in August after the decision, others traveled to the Big Ten headquarters in Chicago. The group “Big 10 Parents United” also rallied together parents around the league, though Warren didn’t take any meetings with it.
The Big Ten eventually reversed the decision in mid-September, instituting an eight-game schedule. Ohio State went on to win the Big Ten title and make an appearance in the national championship game.
Still, the documents released earlier this week opened up wounds that were starting to heal. And in the process, paved the way for new statements reinforcing the view of the Big Ten office from the Football Parents at Ohio State.
