COLUMBUS, Ohio — The NCAA accused Ohio State for the first time of a “failure to monitor” for permitting a booster to continue to have contact with players after he was involved in NCAA problems earlier in the year.
Ohio State president Gordon Gee expressed disappointment Thursday in athletic director Gene Smith for not properly monitoring the actions of Robert DiGeronimo, who got several Buckeyes football players into trouble with the NCAA.
The university agreed to reduce its football scholarships over the next three years as the latest self-imposed punishment over a year of violations and sanctions.
In the letter to Smith, dated Thursday, Gee wrote: “I am disappointed that this is where we find ourselves. You know I find this unacceptable.”
It also was revealed that DiGeronimo hid in a locker in order to hear coach Jim Tressel’s speech before a game.
The NCAA handed Ohio State a second letter of allegations covering all violations that have occurred since it sent the initial letter this summer. The first letter dealt with violations stemming from players taking cash and discount tattoos from a Columbus tattoo-shop owner, and a subsequent cover-up by Tressel. The latest letter covers violations not covered during Ohio State’s hearing before the NCAA’s committee on infractions Aug. 12.
The reduction in football scholarships would seem to be a token sanction that would have little effect on the football program, accounting for only one or two scholarships per year in a program that is permitted 85.
The university previously announced it will repay the $338,811 it received as its portion of bowl revenues last year from the Big Ten. It also vacated the Buckeyes’ 12-1 record in the 2010 season, including a Sugar Bowl win, and agreed to go on two years of NCAA probation. The university had also suspended several players and forced the resignation of Tressel.
Ohio State also said DiGeronimo overpaid five players by $1,605 while they were working for businesses owned and operated by the DiGeronimo family. The university previously said DiGeronimo arranged cash payments of $200 to four current or former players at a sports banquet.
“They’re trying to put it all on me, the supposedly rogue booster,” DiGeronimo said. “They want to get all the heat off them.”
No. 10 Virginia Tech 37, No. 20 Georgia Tech 26
ATLANTA — Logan Thomas accounted for five touchdowns, David Wilson rushed for a career-best 175 yards and the Hokies (9-1, 5-1) took a huge step toward the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game.
No. 11 Houston 73, Tulane 17
NEW ORLEANS — Charles Sims rushed for a career-high 207 yards, including touchdown runs of 72 and 52 yards, and Case Keenum passed for 325 yards, including TDs of 66, 23 and 8 yards to Patrick Edwards for the Cougars (10-0, 6-0 Conference USA).
