Americans love tales of athletes who overcome hardship and adversity, their stories transcending the sports world and becoming more about life in general.

Ohioans enjoy it even more when the stories are about their beloved Buckeyes. But everyone must realize that this is a two-way street.

The turmoil surrounding the university and its football program that led to the abrupt Memorial Day resignation of head coach Jim Tressel also transcends sports.

This story is as much about society as it is college athletics.

The facts seem to show that Tressel, at best, had his head buried in the sand while players broke numerous NCAA rules. At worst, the coach facilitated it, lied about it and tried to cover it up.

Tressel certainly deserves much of the blame for the situation. But this is a problem that is about more than just a football program. It is a societal flaw.

We continue to elevate athletics and create a system that promotes an entitlement mindset in our young men and women. Many of these are at public universities, predominately funded with taxpayer dollars and their actions reflect on our communities.

But our idolization of athletes, coaches and sports programs creates a “win at all costs” mentality.

Did Tressel cheat? It appears so. Do other major college sports head coaches cheat? Of course.

These actions are inexcusable and should never be condoned.

But we have to ask ourselves: Are we allowing, or even encouraging, this type of behavior?