Why is this news?: Urban Meyer's ESPN "Car Wash", Jon Waters issues statement

"Full speed, ready to go. Best shape he has ever been in. Attitude is terrific. Gave us a chance to work on two areas he needs strength: the leadership part and just the overall knowledge of how to attack defense and keeping his eyes downfield."

-Urban Meyer on Braxton Miller

Today Urban Meyer made the rounds during his ESPN "Car Wash" touching on a number of topics pertaining to the upcoming seasons as he appeared on a number of programs during the day. During his appearance on SportsCenter, where he was interview by Joe Tessitore, Meyer gave fans an update on quarterback Braxton Miller after offseason shoulder surgery, and everything sounded very positive as Miller heads into his senior season. After winning the Big Ten Player of the Year award the last two seasons, Meyer says that he expects even more from Miller this season as Ohio State hopes to bring home the national championship trophy (that Meyer still wasn't familiar with).

During his appearance on Mike & Mike this morning (which wasn't hosted by any Mikes this morning) Urban said that while Ezekiel Elliott hasn't yet been named the starter, he plans on giving Elliott first-team reps when practice starts on Monday. The highest praise that a running back got today from Meyer wasn't for Elliott, but for true freshman Curtis Samuel. Meyer said that the New York product "stole his heart".

And while it came out earlier this week that Urban Meyer wanted LeBron James at every home game, the coach was asked about James during his time in Stamford today. Meyer's response when asked about James was that "He's the classiest big-time athlete I've ever been around." Meyer was also on First Take today where he was asked about Tim Tebow (surprise, surprise!) which led to Skip Bayless and company spent way too much time talking about somebody that isn't even in the NFL anymore.

"Jonathan Waters has served with distinction, honor, and exceptional commitment as Director of The Ohio State University Marching Band. Without question we believe that service should continue. The Board of Governors of the TBDBITL Alumni Club, Inc., the alumni organization representing decades of band alumni, unequivocally and without reservation calls for immediate reinstatement of Jonathan Waters as Director of the Marching and Athletic Bands at Ohio State."

-TBDBITL Alumni Club

A week after Ohio State Marching Band director Jonathan Waters was fired from his position for a "sexualized" culture within the band, the debate still rages on as to whether he should've been dismissed. The Ohio State University Marching Band Alumni has conducted their own investigation into the matter and has concluded that Waters was unjustly fired and should be reinstated as band director. The TBDBITL Alumni Club states that Waters wasn't given due process in terms of his firing, and didn't have the chance to meet with new Ohio State University President Michael Drake to discuss the allegations.

Along with the findings of the OSUMB Alumni Club, Waters released his own statement on Wednesday night, saying that he was taking steps to try and fix the culture of the marching band. Some of the steps that Waters said he was taking to try and change the culture include: Prohibiting alcohol consumption on band trips, even by those that were 21 or older, trying to stop inappropriate behavior on bus trips, including the banning of vulgar language.and ending the "caste system" which put first-year band members at a disadvantage. Those were just a few of the changes to band rules and policies that Waters says he instituted during his time as director.

"But for me, I like the college experience, what this university can provide kids, not just football or basketball players, but kids. This place is the most amazing thing I've seen in terms of what it does for students, the opportunities presented to them."

-Thad Matta

In the second part of a four-part series by Doug Lesmerises of Cleveland.com talks with Ohio State basketball coach Thad Matta on a number of topics including what the future might hold for Matta and his health. With former assistant Brad Stevens making the jump to the NBA coaching ranks last year, Matta was asked if a NBA coaching job might be in his future, but luckily for Ohio State fans, Matta loves the college experience. If Matta did have any thoughts of making a move to the NBA, he does have former NBA assistant Chris Jent to lean on to give an idea on what the move might hold for him. What could make Matta leave coaching though, is when it becomes a business for him. Right now Matta is just having fun as a coach and enjoying teaching his players and helping them improve their game.

One issue that could've shortened Matta's coaching career when it happened were complications from a back surgery that left him with a right foot that wasn't fully functional. The surgery happened in June of 2007 and while adjusting to the issues with his right foot was tough at first, now Matta has accepted it and adapted to what he has to do to continue coaching. While he doesn't think he'll be coaching until 80 years old, there looks to be many years with Matta at the helm in Columbus.

"Tanner and Sam truly represent what being a Buckeye is about on and off the ice. They are both outstanding student-athletes. The program is in good hands with them leading the way."

-Ohio State men's hockey coach, Steve Rohlik

A pair of players from Alberta were announced yesterday as captains for the Ohio State men's hockey team for the 2014-15 season by head coach Steve Rohlik. Senior Tanner Fritz was named captain, and junior Sam Jardine was named as the alternate captain. Fritz, who hails from Grand Prairie, Alberta, was the alternate captain last season for the Buckeyes, and tallied 32 points during the season. During his Ohio State career, Fritz has played in 106 games for the Buckeyes, scoring 25 goals and accumulating 58 points. In 2012-13 Fritz was named second team All-CCHA, and twice has been a Academic All-Big Ten choice, and three times has been honored as a Ohio State scholar-athlete.

Originally from Lacombe, Alberta, Jardine is in his third year in Columbus, and last season had 13 points, with 12 of those being from assists. For his career, Jardine has played in 64 games, and been credited with 19 assists and a goal. Last season Jardine was a Academic All-Big Ten choice, and twice has been named a Ohio State scholar-athlete. The hockey season for the Buckeyes begins on October 10th when they host Providence.

STICK TO SPORTS

• While many eyes were on Sharknado 2 last night, Tyler Cloyd was busy throwing the first no-hitter in Huntington Park history, as Columbus routed Louisville 13-0.
• Speaking of Sharknado 2: Maybe the Indians should try and sign Harland "The Blaster" McGuinness to add some pop to their lineup.
• Need a haircut? If you go to Kings Island on Friday they got you covered as they try to set a record.
• Want to know what you shouldn't do with a laser pointer? Don't point a laser pointer at a helicopter. Especially not a Columbus police helicopter.
• FIFA '15 sounds like a video game you can really sink your teeth into.