COLUMBUS, Ohio — Three more football players are in hot water at Ohio State. As a result, Ohio State might be in even more trouble with the NCAA.
The school reported Thursday that running back Jordan Hall, defensive back Corey Brown and defensive back Travis Howard each received impermissible benefits of $300 or less earlier this year.
The latest violations took place after several Buckeyes players were suspended for accepting cash and free tattoos from the subject of a federal drug-trafficking probe and Ohio State had ramped up its compliance department to warn athletes not to break NCAA rules.
All three were suspended for the Buckeyes’ season-opening game Saturday against Akron at Ohio Stadium.
“We take this matter seriously,” Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said. “Our commitment to institutional integrity is steadfast, and we must hold everyone associated with our athletic programs accountable for lapses in judgment. We believe in transparency with the NCAA, all regulatory bodies and all of Buckeye Nation.”
Hall and Howard, both juniors, were listed as starters on Ohio State’s two-deep roster for the game. Brown, who goes by the nickname “Pittsburgh” to distinguish him from Buckeyes wide receiver Corey “Philly” Brown, was listed as a backup at safety.
Ohio State is already awaiting final word on what sanctions it will receive from the NCAA for memorabilia-for-cash violations which occurred in 2010 that led to coach Jim Tressel’s forced resignation May 30. Several players have already been suspended, and the 2010 season was vacated because of the earlier problems.
The latest admission could affect Ohio State’s current case before the NCAA that was heard Aug. 12. The NCAA’s committee on infractions is expected to hand down a decision as early as the end of September.
Footnotes.
Starting defensive end Ronnell Lewis, a converted linebacker, has been cleared to play for Oklahoma.
• Sophomore quarterback Connor Shaw was named ahead of fifth-year senior Stephen Garcia to start South Carolina’s season opener Saturday against East Carolina.
• Mississippi State suspended five players, including starting defensive tackle Fletcher Cox and quarterback Dylan Favre (Brett Favre’s nephew), for its season- opening victory over Memphis because of a “variety of violations of team rules.” The other players were offensive tackle Blaine Clausell, linebacker Chris Hughes and receiver Malcolm Johnson.
• USC defensive secondary coach Willie Mack Garza stepped down, citing personal reasons.
• Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa, recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, is listed as questionable for Saturday’s opener at Boston College.
• Tennessee offered its open athletic director’s job to Alabama assistant athletic director Dave Hart.
The Associated Press
