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Ohio State vacates wins from 2010 football season, places program on probation
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2011 12:20 PM BY RANDY LUDLOW THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Ohio State University is wiping its stellar 2010 football season from the record books as self-imposed punishment for major NCAA violations, sources told The Dispatch.
But it is not suggesting that the team lose scholarships or be banned from postseason play. The university submitted its response to the NCAA today, addressing allegations that then-coach Jim Tressel lied and allowed ineligible players to compete by failing to report that they had sold OSU-issued memorabilia to a tattoo-parlor owner. Sources familiar with the university's response also told The Dispatch that Ohio State is admitting major violations of NCAA regulations, but says it should not face harsh punishment because no OSU official other than Tressel was aware of player violations. In addition to vacating the wins from its 12-1 season along with its Big Ten and Sugar Bowl championships, the university has placed its football program on probation for two years, sources said. The university also acknowledges that it sought the resignation of Tressel, who departed on May 30. Sources said the report also includes the revelation that the university had identified one additional football player who received discounts on tattoos and has declared him ineligible. The university has requested that the NCAA reinstate the unnamed player. The Dispatch reported today that Ohio State is increasing compliance efforts and staffing. Sources said the report to the NCAA will also include new restrictions on how and when players receive awards in an attempt to ensure they are not sold. The fallout from the scandal has included the resignation of Tressel, the partial-season suspension of six players, and quarterback Terrelle Pryor's decision to skip his senior season and turn pro. The NCAA could take away scholarships and impose a post-season ban on the football program as additional punishment for its violations following a hearing before the infractions committee on Aug. 12 in Indianapolis. Ohio State also could face additional punishment if the NCAA determines it is a repeat offender stemming from violations committed by then-basketball coach Jim O'Brien and quarterback Troy Smith. Sources said the university concedes it is a repeat offender, but contends it has responded appropriately, imposed fitting sanctions on its football program and should face no further punishment. The downfall of Tressel and Ohio State began on April 2, 2010, when former OSU walk-on linebacker Christopher Cicero, who is now a Columbus lawyer, sent the coach an email informing him that at least two players had sold memorabilia to tattoo-parlor owner Edward Rife. Rife, who has pleaded guilty to marijuana trafficking in federal court, paid the players with $9,480 in cash and $555 in free and discounted tattoos for items that included gold pants charms for Michigan wins and game-worn gear. Tressel did not inform the compliance office or OSU officials that his players had committed apparent violations of NCAA regulations and signed an NCAA form certifying that he had no knowledge of violations. Tressel then permitted the players, including Pryor, to compete during the 2010 season while never disclosing their misconduct. OSU officials learned of the violations in December when federal officials told them that investigators had found player memorabilia when they searched Rife's home during a drug investigation. Federal officials have said there is no evidence Ohio State players were involved in drug transactions. rludlow@dispatch.com
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2011 12:20 PM BY RANDY LUDLOW THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Ohio State University is wiping its stellar 2010 football season from the record books as self-imposed punishment for major NCAA violations, sources told The Dispatch.
But it is not suggesting that the team lose scholarships or be banned from postseason play. The university submitted its response to the NCAA today, addressing allegations that then-coach Jim Tressel lied and allowed ineligible players to compete by failing to report that they had sold OSU-issued memorabilia to a tattoo-parlor owner. Sources familiar with the university's response also told The Dispatch that Ohio State is admitting major violations of NCAA regulations, but says it should not face harsh punishment because no OSU official other than Tressel was aware of player violations. In addition to vacating the wins from its 12-1 season along with its Big Ten and Sugar Bowl championships, the university has placed its football program on probation for two years, sources said. The university also acknowledges that it sought the resignation of Tressel, who departed on May 30. Sources said the report also includes the revelation that the university had identified one additional football player who received discounts on tattoos and has declared him ineligible. The university has requested that the NCAA reinstate the unnamed player. The Dispatch reported today that Ohio State is increasing compliance efforts and staffing. Sources said the report to the NCAA will also include new restrictions on how and when players receive awards in an attempt to ensure they are not sold. The fallout from the scandal has included the resignation of Tressel, the partial-season suspension of six players, and quarterback Terrelle Pryor's decision to skip his senior season and turn pro. The NCAA could take away scholarships and impose a post-season ban on the football program as additional punishment for its violations following a hearing before the infractions committee on Aug. 12 in Indianapolis. Ohio State also could face additional punishment if the NCAA determines it is a repeat offender stemming from violations committed by then-basketball coach Jim O'Brien and quarterback Troy Smith. Sources said the university concedes it is a repeat offender, but contends it has responded appropriately, imposed fitting sanctions on its football program and should face no further punishment. The downfall of Tressel and Ohio State began on April 2, 2010, when former OSU walk-on linebacker Christopher Cicero, who is now a Columbus lawyer, sent the coach an email informing him that at least two players had sold memorabilia to tattoo-parlor owner Edward Rife. Rife, who has pleaded guilty to marijuana trafficking in federal court, paid the players with $9,480 in cash and $555 in free and discounted tattoos for items that included gold pants charms for Michigan wins and game-worn gear. Tressel did not inform the compliance office or OSU officials that his players had committed apparent violations of NCAA regulations and signed an NCAA form certifying that he had no knowledge of violations. Tressel then permitted the players, including Pryor, to compete during the 2010 season while never disclosing their misconduct. OSU officials learned of the violations in December when federal officials told them that investigators had found player memorabilia when they searched Rife's home during a drug investigation. Federal officials have said there is no evidence Ohio State players were involved in drug transactions. rludlow@dispatch.com