By: Patty Mayonnaise
ATHENS — Friends of an Ohio University student believe he’s taken up an unforgivable position with the Ohio State University as its mascot, Brutus Buckeye, and accepted a full scholarship to the university as a result.
Ted Friedlander, 21, of Zanesville enrolled as a senior at OU in Athens this school year, records show, but close friends say he’s never there.
“I’ve only seen him a few times this month. We used to see each other every day,” said Alicia Thomson, a senior. She and Friedlander have dated on and off since high school, she said.
“Sometimes I call him and ask him to come over and he’s like ‘I can’t.’” Thomson said.
It’s usually on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons that Friedlander disappears, friends say.
“I’m always calling him to hang out to watch football on Saturdays, but he’s been gay lately and hasn’t picked up or returned my calls,” said Josh Stenson, a senior who has lived with Friedlander on OU’s campus since they were freshmen.
“Ted used to get me back whenever.”
Other signs point to more than just an introverted lifestyle. Stenson said he’s been near Friedlander when his cell phone rings. His ring tone plays the unofficial anthem of Ohio State fans, Hang on Sloopy, and recently, Friedlander purchased a Snuggie with the school’s logo, Stenson said.
More incriminating are Thomson’s claims that she’s seen a gray and red stripped shirt and an oversized brown “bean bag chair” with eyes and a mouth in Friedlander’s room.
“I don’t know. I think it’s some kind of like weird thing from IKEA,” Thomson said.
“I never sit on it.”
It’s not just questionable allegiances that have university officials disgusted, however. Director of student affairs for Ohio State, Ken Clarence said it’s against school policy for its mascots to attend any other university at the same time.
“The mascot is granted a full scholarship to Ohio State after a rigorous selection process,” Clarence said.
“There are so many talented students that try out every year. It’d be a slap in the face to those not selected who may feel they’re more enthused about the university. Plus, we don’t want other universities infiltrating our football games and practices,” he said.
After last weekend’s unexpected loss to the lowest-ranked team in the Big Ten Conference, the football Buckeyes fans have said they suspect a rat in the bunch, especially after head coach Jim Tressel refused to criticize any of his players after they lost 26-18 last Saturday.
“I really think someone’s listening to the plays and feeding them to the other team,” said Ron Lawson of The Far East Side of Columbus.
“It’s the only real explanation for the shit that happened last week,” he said.
Critics say it’d be impossible for the accused Friedlander, or any other mascot, to transfer the information so quickly. Others say it’s too elaborate of a scheme to be true.
Meanwhile, Ohio State officials say they never chose Friedlander as a Buckeye mascot.
“There aren’t any records of this guy showing up to try outs,” said the university’s spirit coordinator.
“I’ve never seen him in my life.”
OU administrators said they will not take any action on the matter, and Friedlander has repeatedly denied any involvement with Ohio State athletics to friends and family.
Friedlander could not be reached for comment.
