Tressel accepts job at Akron
AKRON, ohio — Jim Tressel, forced to resign in disgrace last May amid a cash-for-tattoos scandal at Ohio State that rocked the football powerhouse, was introduced Thursday as Akron’s new vice president of strategic engagement — a position created just for him.
Tressel, who started his coaching career as an undergraduate assistant for the Zips in 1975, will earn a base salary of $200,000 per year, more than $3 million less than he made during the last of 10 years guiding the Buckeyes. Tressel will begin his new job May 1.
“I feel fortunate that I got this opportunity,” Tressel said. “It’s going to be a fun one.”
Tressel, 59, is not permitted to have any direct involvement with the school’s athletic department, one of the conditions of the five-year, show-cause sanction he was given by the NCAA after its investigation into the Ohio State situation.
Louisiana Tech player dies
RUSTON, La. — Louisiana Tech running back Tyronne Duplessis died after medics responded to an emergency call at his off-campus apartment. He was 21.
Hazel Woods, the chief investigator for the Lincoln Parish coroner’s office, said an autopsy is pending. Ruston police Lt. Tim Parker said authorities are not investigating at this time and are awaiting the coroner’s report.
Duplessis played in two games last season as he sought to come back from a knee injury that sidelined him in 2010.
As a true freshman in 2009, he had 70 carries for 277 yards and returned four kickoffs for 88 yards.
Footnotes
Mike Smith is leaving West Virginia to return to the New York Jets, just two weeks after he was named an assistant coach on defense for the Mountaineers. Smith is returning to the Jets to coach the outside linebackers — the same position he held before leaving.
• Former Illinois head coach and CU assistant Lou Tepper was hired to replace William Inge as Buffalo’s defensive coordinator.
