Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith the school found out weeks ago Tressel knew about the violations before they were reported. They then told the NCAA Tressel violated an NCAA Bylaw.
“I am sorry and disappointed this happened. At the time the situation occurred, I thought I was doing the right thing,” Tressel said in a school statement. “I understand my responsibility to represent Ohio State and the game of football. I apologize to any and all of the people I have let down. I will grow from this experience.”
“Wherever we end up, Jim Tressel is our football coach,” said Smith. “He is our coach, and we trust him implicitly.”
Tressel will miss the September 3 game against Akron and the September 10 game against Toledo.
The Yahoo! Sports report claimed Tressel found out in April the players, including quarterback Terrelle Pryor, were selling Buckeye football memorabilia and did not report them to the university or the NCAA. The players were suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season
WOIO—19ActionNews.com
