Those two Ohio State Buckeyes games I covered (opening night vs. Marshall and the annual grudge match versus the hated Michigan Wolverines) no longer officially exist; as the entire 2010 season was officially vacated.
Maybe the local rube harassing me about my generic blue and orange scarf, the random guy at the stadium who yelled “AUBURN FAGGOT!” at me before the season finale, maybe he doesn’t exist either? Or the Buckeyes meat-head in the front row who disparaged my summer wardrobe while I was on the field by screaming “Hey Crockett, where’s Tubbs?” Perhaps he doesn’t exist as well.
You Ohio State fans, you certainly know how to make a college football reporter feel welcome. And you’re going to need that sense of humor now more than ever, as your team is no longer king of the Big Ten. Your boys are on probation for two years.
The University has submitted its formal response to the NCAA’s Notice of Allegations received by the university on April 21 related to specific questions involving Ohio State’s football program and the actions of its former head football coach, Jim Tressel. Tressel also has submitted his own formal response as requested by the NCAA today. Additionally, Tressel and the university today announced an agreement under which Tressel will change his previously announced resignation to a retirement. The agreement also ends and resolves any issues arising out of Tressel’s employment with Ohio State.
Commenting on today’s filing, Athletics Director Gene Smith said, “We are fully cooperating with the NCAA, and we look forward to working together to bring a resolution to these current matters. Throughout the entire process since we discovered possible infractions, Ohio State has consistently acted to investigate any allegation, self-report its findings to the NCAA, communicate transparently about its findings, and take necessary remediation steps.”
The vacating of the 12-1 2010 season does include the Sugar Bowl “win” over Arkansas in which the five players suspended for the start of the 2011 season were for some hypocritical reason, allowed to play.
The team also believes they should not lose scholarships or be banned from post-season play. The NCAA could impose those exact penalties as additional punishment for its violations when the hearing before the infractions committee takes place 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-hoops coach Jim O’Brien and quarterback Troy Smith.
A copy of Ohio State’s response to the NCAA Notice of Allegations and other related documents are available here
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports You can follow him on Twitter