Updated – The punishments at this time are speculative only. No “actual” punishments have been handed out to OSU.
Update 2- FOX Sports Ohio has a copy of the letter of allegations (sidebar link), as well as expectations regarding the University’s response to the NCAA
The Dispatch is reporting this morning that the NCAA has finally released its “Notice of Allegations” to the Ohio State Athletic Department. The suddenness of this release is a bit of a surprise considering how little has come out of the investigation since light was first shed in early March. The good news, however, is that Buckeye fans are no longer in the dark in regards to what the NCAA is thinking.
The NCAA has decided that the University as a whole has not committed a “failure to monitor” nor suffered a “lack of institutional control”. This is very good news for Buckeye faithful, considering the fact that the NCAA was considering on labeling the Buckeyes as a “repeat offender” with the violations of Troy Smith and the Basketball program only 6 years ago. One of those penalties tied to “repeat offender” status may have been a deathblow to the OSU program.
As it is, the NCAA states:
Tressel was guilty of ethical misconduct when he knowingly provided false information to the NCAA in certifying that he knew of no potential violations by his players and failed to inform OSU officials.
Ohio State fielded ineligible players last season when starting quarterback Terrelle Pryor and others competed despite Tressel’s knowledge of their misconduct. NCAA bylaws call for immediate suspensions.
Here’s how things stand in terms of the expected punishments (based on previous, similar, NCAA Allegations) on top of what has already been dealt out.
- The Buckeyes will not likely have to vacate their win in the Sugar Bowl, as the NCAA reinstated the guilty players eligibility.
- The Bucks will likely have to vacate all of their other 2010 season wins, and vacate their Big Ten Championship.
- Ohio State will likely face a Big Ten conference championship ban, and bowl ban, for 2011-2012.
It is worth noting that no punishments have actually been handed down, nor have been even suggested. All of these punishments are reasonable speculation based on other schools’ penalties.
It is also worth pointing out that the issues with the players are resolved. After their 5 game suspension (and requirement to pay back the money to charity) they will be allowed to play again.
Ohio State University posted their own “article” on this, which you can find here.
Stay tuned for more.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
