Federal Fraud Charges Now On Schlichter

Former tOSU QB Art Schlichter was charged with bank and wire fraud in connection with a scam that involved scalping college football tickets, including the 2011 Sugar Bowl. He was also charged with filing a false tax return, according to the U.S. District Court.

Back in April, a Franklin County ((OH)) grand jury indicted Schlichter on 13 counts with, at least, 12 different victims. He has been in jail since February, and is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday.

He was in prison in Indiana from 1994 to 2006 for fraud and forgery related to gambling, and has never been able to shake the demons that got him in trouble in the first place- even with all of the different tours of prison he has had.

Here's the story from the time of the original indictment, thanks to our friends at NBC4 in C'bus...

Ohio St. vs. Terrelle Pryor vs. The NFL

Terrelle Pryor

((ht: espn.com))

This is getting messy. Or maybe we should say messier. Terrelle Pryor and the word violation seem to be going hand in hand these days. And his issues are holding up the NFL's Supplemental draft.

Word comes today, courtesy of Chris Mortensen of ESPN that Pryor and Ohio State are in a bit of a...well...disagreement. Pryor (or at least his attorney since he doesn't speak to media) claims he told the NCAA in May that his so-called mentor Ted Sarniak gave his mother money and took care of his car payments. Which by the way, would explain more than a few things. He also adds (his attorney does), the NCAA was aware of this and told Sarniak to stop.

Ohio State however says no he didn't.

Read Mort's story which summarizes it all RIGHT HERE

I don't know about you, but we smell a rat here. We get the impression this is another ploy to convince the NFL Pryor would be in trouble and thusly be eligible for the Supplemental Draft. Something we might add that many so-called "NFL Experts" say he should be allowed to participate in.

We say no. We say this is a blatant attempt at manipulating the system. We don't have anything against guys who flunk out or get in legal trouble trying to get a shot at the pros. But Pryor's case is different. Yes, he would miss half this season if he stayed at Ohio State, but he CHOSE to leave. He didn't have to. He wasn't, at least on the surface, in-eligible in any way, shape or form other than the "Tattoo Issue". He would have had the opportunity to finish his degree and play the second half of the season.

No, this is a blatant attempt to cash in now and not face the damage he left behind. Plain and simple. And no, we don't think he'll be a success in the pros. He's not head and shoulders above the guys he'd be playing with in the NFL. And he's in for a shock when he realizes it. It's not like the "Little Sisters of the Poor" schedule Ohio State plays in their first 5 games. It's "Big Boy" football. If you are "that" good Mr. Pryor, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to prove it....next spring.

tOSU Says Their Peace In Indy, Forfeits Their Piece From New Orleans

(HT: WBNS-TV Columbus))

Ohio State University officials and former coach Jim Tressel appeared before an NCAA infractions committee for about four hours in Indianapolis, getting the third degree from the Committee on Infractions and defending their life in and around the Tattoo Six...

It'll take about another 8 to 12 weeks for any word to trickle out one way or the other on any kind of punishment. If more charges come to the surface, another meeting could be called by the CoI, but for every subsequent meeting it'll take another 8 to 12 weeks for another judgment to come down from the mountain...

Oh, and Terrelle Pryor testifying...???
tOSU doesn't want that...

Here's AD Gene Smith talking about the day and giving up the one piece of news on the day- the fact that the Buckeyes gave up their Sugar Bowl share...


Why he and Gordon Gee are still employed are anyone's guess...

Hey, did you know we wrote a book...???

OSG College Football Preview: Big Ten Conference

Congratulations fair reader, it’s time to see what we think about the Big 10 which is actually 12. Always a tough conference with good teams, they are perennially overrated. They traditionally struggle against good, out of conference competition.

That being said, there is talent galore here and if you play them in non-conference game, good luck.

2011 Big 10 Previews (In alphabetical “Conference” order):

Illinois Fighting Illini: 7-6 in 2010

The fighting Zooker’s had a pretty good 2010 and have a lot of those players returning this year. The law of averages says they’ll be somewhere in the middle this season.

Offense: It all starts with QB Nathan Scheelhaase, one of the conferences best. Yeah, they did lose Mikel Leshoure and that will hurt. Scheelhasse will have to account for a lot this season.

Defense: No stars, but 9 returning starters. And in College Football, that’s not such a bad thing.

Outlook: A fairly easy schedule will help as will 8 home games. Ron Zook’s teams tend to under achieve and we wonder if this team will do the same thing.

Predictions:

Phil says: They’ll be decent. Schedule all but guarantees them 6 wins. 7-5 will be a success for these guys. 6-6 is more realistic.

Jon says: Agreed… and that’s after a 3-1 start…

Wilkie says: I think new offensive coordinator Paul Petrino will have a tremendous effect on the Illini offense. With division rivals Ohio State and Wisconsin coming to Champaign Illinois may be the dark horse in the Leaders Division.

Indiana Hoosiers: 5-7 in 2010:

If there was a “Schleprock” team in each conference, this would be the team in the 10. They always struggle, though appeared to have started to turn the corner in 2010. We’ll see if they can maintain it.

Offense: It starts with wide receiver Demarlo Belcher. 78 catches last season ain’t bad, the question is can QB Dusty Kiel get the ball to him and that’s one that won’t be answered until they play for real.

Defense: This is where they struggle to compete. The offense is pretty good, defense...not so much. DT Adam Replogle will be leaned on heavily along with LB Jeff Thomas.

Outlook: This program is heading in the right direction. Kevin Wilson does have his work cut out, but it seems as though they are turning the corner. Virginia is the toughest non-conference game...and is easily winnable.

Predictions:

Phil says: Consistency is the key here. They need to continue making strides. They should. 6-6 is not out of the question.

Jon says: I think Wilson will have his work cut out for him… maybe 4-8…

Wilkie says: It won’t translate into wins this year but Kevin Wilson is stirring the pot in Bloomington. Six wins is about the max.

Ohio State Buckeyes: 11-1 in 2010:

It wasn’t the most pleasant off-season for these guys. We’ve talked at length about their off the field problems this summer. And yes, it will affect them, we just don’t know how much.

Offense: Terrelle Pryor will be tough to replace if for no other reason than he was the only QB with experience. But as always, there is plenty of talent here. Without Dan Herron and DeVier Posey, they’ll struggle early in the year. Someone is going to have to step up--Braxton Miller maybe?

Defense: If Johnathan Hankins steps up, they’ll be really good here...again. They lost a few players, but as always there are plenty of guys to step up.

Outlook: An awful lot of variables here with a new coach and key players out for 5 games. But these guys tend to play cupcakes early and that will help. The season really will hinge on who steps up and fills the void and right now nobody knows for sure who that will be.

Predictions:

Phil says: This will be a tough season in Columbus. They’ll recover, no matter what the NCAA says or does, but you can write this year off. 9-3.

Jon says: After winning the Ohio State title with wins over Akron and Toledo, I’ve got them at, maybe, 8-4… a rookie QB and not knowing how the rest of the “Tattoo 6” will respond will be the big difference…

Wilkie says: In September they won’t resemble the Ohio State we know. I doubt they beat Miami or Michigan State. Starting with Nebraska October 8th the Buckeyes will be in tact and I wouldn’t be surprised if TOSU rattles off seven straight wins.

Penn State Nittany Lions: 7-6 in 2010

2010 was a year to forget for the Nittany Lions, the expectations were higher. But they’ve been here before and recovered. And there’s some talent here.

Offense: Derrick Moye is the prototypical WR. NFL Scouts are already drooling over him. Someone needs to grab hold of the QB job, but nobody knows if that will happen. There’s not much else that stands out here.

Defense: If they are going to be successful, the “D” will lead the way. LB Michael Mauti and CB D’Anton Lynn are the best of a really good defense. And DT Devon Still ain’t bad. But will they wear out because of the offensive struggles?

Outlook: The “D” is one of the country’s best, the “O” one of the worst. Until the balance emerges, they’ll struggle. Finishing Nebraska, at Ohio State and at Wisconsin won’t do much for morale either.

Predictions:

Phil says: Having Alabama in the non-conference schedule ain’t going to help things. This year will be a bit of a struggle. 7-5 again sounds good.

Jon says: I’ve got them 8-1 heading into November, maybe 9-3…

Wilkie says: Joe Pa is energized, the Nittany Lions are better but the November schedule is a killer. 7-5 in Happy Valley.

Purdue Boilermakers: 4-8 in 2010

Another team seemingly on the rise. They’ve been stuck at the bottom of this conference for years. There is some talent here and we think Danny Hope is a good coach.

Offense: Ralph Bolden is a pretty good RB and Robert Marve has shown flashes of being a good QB, but can he sustain it and hold off Rob Henry?

Defense: They are stacked on D this year with Kawann Short and Bruce Gaston anchoring the line. Oddly, this may be the strong suit of this team in 2011.

Outlook: They should be better. The schedule isn’t too daunting. And they aren’t a bad team. A few guys will need to step it up for that to happen.

Predictions:

Phil says: An easy schedule helps. A bowl game is a real possibility. 7-5

Jon says: I don’t see it going 7-5… I’m still thinking 4-8’ish…

Wilkie says: The Boilers go bowling in December. 7-5 is possible.

Wisconsin Badgers: 11-2 in 2010

They are everyone’s offseason darlings it seems. And they are always good. But they always lose a game they shouldn’t. Always. Let’s see how well Russell Wilson fits in.

Offense: It will start with Wilson and WR Nick Toon. With RB’s James White and Montee Ball around they should be able to run well too. There are some holes on the line.

Defense: Chris Borland will be the man this year. He has to. DT’s Patrick Butrym and Jordan Kohout will certainly help.

Outlook: Yes, they will be good. They should be the class of this conference. But they always seem to choke in the end. Is this they year they get past it? Because they are certainly loaded at almost every position.

Predictions:

Phil says: Unless they implode, this is the best team in the conference. The schedule is conducive to running the table, but they’ll gag somewhere 11-1 and BCS Bowl

Jon says: That’s what I’m looking at as well… somewhere in the 10 or 11 win season-range and playing South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl…

Wilkie says: Getting quarterback Russell Wilson as an unrestricted free agent was the game changer the Badgers needed. This is your Big 10 champion.

And we move on to the poorly named Legends division--

Iowa Hawkeyes: 8-5 in 2010

This also was a rough offseason for Iowa with the 13 players being hospitalized and suspensions galore. They are the prototype for Big 10 football, good in conference, not so much out of it.

Offense: When your best player is a Tackle, you’ve got some things to worry about. Somebody has to play QB with James Vandenburg your leader in the clubhouse, and having Marcus Coker in the backfield will help.

Defense: They’ll be stout. Shaun Prater is NFL ready now and his counterpart Micah Hyde is pretty good too. The line will put some pressure on people.

Outlook: Iowa is traditionally good, but rarely great. This season won’t change that perception. There are too many question marks for them to excel, but they’ll be about where they were last year, with hopefully less headaches.

Predictions:

Phil says: If everyone plays to their max, 8-4, but 7-5 is more realistic.

Jon says: I’ve got the same thing… somewhere in the 7-5 range…

Wilkie says: Iowa thrives at being the under the radar team and the Hawkeyes are in that position this season. Will Iowa take advantage again?

Michigan Wolverines: 7-6 in 2010

They hired the right guy this time: Brady Hoke. And yes, they improved last year. But they still haven’t reminded anyone of the Michigan of old. With some discipline and defense, they could be what the rest of Big 10 should be playing like.

Offense: Denard Robinson. Do we need to say more? Robinson, the QB, was a dynamic play-making machine last year. He did wear down towards the end though. He needs to get bigger. Having WR Roy Roundtree back certainly will help.

Defense: This is the problem. They were awful the past two seasons. DT Mike Martin is the best player, but there is little around him. We’ll see if that happens.

Outlook: On the rise. If the Defense improves, the team will be better. Rich Rod, for all his faults, got some talent to come to Ann Arbor.

Predictions:

Phil says: They are heading in the right direction. They aren’t there yet. 8-4.

Jon says: I’ve got somewhere in the 6-6 range. I think they’re a year away…

Wilkie says: Brady Hoke mission isn’t to change the culture at Michigan but to be a part of it. The Wolverines won’t be all the way back this year but getting closer. Michigan won’t be home for the Holidays either.

Michigan State Spartans: 11-2 in 2010

Another team that is always competitive in the conference but struggles out of it. And they seem to always find ways to lose games they shouldn’t. But they’ve got some key guys coming back this season and a pretty friendly schedule.

Offense: It all starts with QB Kirk Cousins. Cousins is arguably the best QB in the conference and the leader of this team. WR B.J Cunningham and TE Brian Linthicum are back too. 3 new starters on the line could be an issue.

Defense: Safety Trenton Robinson is probably the best player on the D, and there will be 5 new starters this season. Someone is going to have to step up and lead up front, the question is who.

Outlook: Depends on the defense. They should be a tough out because of Cousins, but there are a lot of question marks. Again, a cake schedule will help...a lot.

Predictions:

Phil says: They’ll struggle this year. They lost a lot of starters. Best guess is 7-5.

Jon says: Six wins, maybe 7…

Wilkie says: If the youngsters come through then Michigan State is a title contender. The Spartans have nine wins in them.


Minnesota Golden Gophers: 3-9 in 2010

There is a new sheriff in town, Jerry Kill and he’s got his work cut out for him. They lost a lot of experience off a really bad team. This is a long term project for Kill or anyone else.

Offense: The top 3 receivers return, but who is going to throw it to them? Duane Bennett is a solid RB, but there are holes almost everywhere.

Defense: There is a little more here to work with. Leading tackler LB Gary Tinsley returns and LB Keanon Cooper is pretty good too. But again, nothing else stands out.

Outlook: Well, they are going to not be very good for awhile. There are some winnable non-conference games, but they won’t be favored in any Big 10/12 game.

Predictions:

Phil says: Jerry Kill may regret taking this job. He’s got a lot of work here. 3-9

Jon says: Bad, badder, baddest… and not in a good way… 2-10

Wilkie says: Jerry Kill won at Saginaw Valley State, Emporia State, Southern Illinois, and Northern Illinois he will win in Minnesota, just not this year. 3-9 but it won’t seem that bad.

Nebraska Cornhuskers: 10-4 in 2010

Welcome newcomer. Nebraska brings money, revenue and a really good team to this conference, this year. Bo Pelini deserves credit for getting this program back on track.

Offense: QB Taylor Martinez is back and that is where everything starts. Leading reciever Brandon Kinnie is back too. But only 2 starters on the line return. Could make things difficult early.

Defense: DT Jared Crick leads a stout defense that also returns tackling machine LB Lavonte David. Key starters in every spot are back. They’ll be tough.

Outlook: Come November, there may be some 2nd thoughts about having these guys in the playground. They could easily run the table and will be in the conference championship game.

Predictions:

Phil says: Look out Big 10/12. 11-1, conference champs and BCS Bowl.

Jon says: What Phil said…

Wilkie says: The Nebraska-Iowa rivalry just doesn’t have the same cache as Nebraska-Oklahoma, This will take a while for me to get used to the Huskers in the Big Ten. The Huskers will challenge for the league title though. 10-2 for the stenciled “N’s”


Northwestern Wildcats: 7-6 in 2010

Pat Fitzgerald has made them a tough out for anyone. And this time, they return a bunch of starters (16). They’ll be a handful for anyone.

Offense: QB Dan Persa returns and he’s pretty good. He accounted for a lot of 2010’s offense. 3 of the 4 leading receivers are back too. As is most of the line.

Defense: Couple of replacements needed. Though Safety Brian Peters returns. The D-Backs look pretty stout, there’s some concern again on the D-Line.

Outlook: They should be pretty good. There’s some talent and we like Fitzgerald the coach. No Ohio State or Wisconsin on the schedule will help.

Predictions:

Phil says: They are the dark horse in this conference in my eyes. 10-2 wouldn’t be a surprise.

Jon says: 6-6 and more tough losses than comfortable wins…

Wilkie says: The easiest schedule in the Big Ten might pay off handsomely for the Wildcats. 10 wins might happen.

Player of the Year:

Phil says: Dan Persa, Northwestern
Jon says: Monte Ball, Wisconsin

Wilkie says: Edwin Baker – Michigan State

Champions:

Phil says: Nebraska vs. Wisconsin. Cornhuskers win the title and BCS berth.

Jon says: Nebraska-Wisconsin… Nebraska wins and becomes both a leader and a legend…

Wilkie says: Wisconsin vs Nebraska. Badgers will be your Big Ten Champion.

BREAKING: tOSU Offers To Vacate 2010 Wins

((HT: WBNS-TV Columbus))

Ohio State University officials announced a self-imposed penalty to the NCAA of vacating wins from the 2010 football season, including the Sugar Bowl win over Arkansas, as a penalty for Tattoo-Gate...

The university submitted its response to the NCAA on Friday and it was also announced that former head coach Jim Tressel would appear in front of the committee...

Here's our friends at 10TV with Paul Aker in the newsroom...


The two years probation and the Vest's status going from "resigned" to "retired" are pretty funny if you ask the HQ...

The Columbus Dispatch's Randy Ludlow writes that there are two things missing- the post-season ban and the reduction of schollies...

The fact that the school thinks that no one else should be punished because only Tressel knew of the infractions is laughable at best...

From Ludlow and the response...
"The responsibility is upon Tressel. No other institutional personnel were aware" of the violations, and the former coach failed in his obligation to report them, the response says. "The institution is embarrassed by the actions of Tressel."

Sure... more when we know more...

And, while we're at it, here's NBC4's interview with AD Gene Smith...

Edward Rife (OSU tattoo guy) expected to plead in court today

Edward Rife

((ht: Columbus Dispatch))

Updated 11:45am ht: nbc4i.com--Rife did plead guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges. No word yet on his sentence.

Obviously, we'll update this story later in the day after he appears. But we wanted to let everyone know that the man at the center of the Ohio State "Tattoo-gate" problems is expected to plead guilty to drug trafficking charges in the U.S District Court in Columbus.

Edward Rife owns Fine Line Ink Tattoos, and his place in the public eye came after it was discovered he was selling signed memorabilia from Ohio State football players. Active OSU football players.

That revelation has sent the Ohio State football program and administration into an incredible tailspin. The active players involved were suspended for the 1st 5 games of 2011. The investigation eventually cost now former coach Jim Tressell his job.

You can read Tuesday mornings update from the Columbus Dispatch RIGHT HERE

Rife's plea will not have much of an impact on the NCAA investigation. The NCAA is looking at this incident along with many, many other issues that have cropped up since this all began last year.

The memorabilia that Rife has will be sold by the government if Rife can't come up with $50,000 he apparently agreed to fork over for it.

Check back frequently, we'll let you know what happened with this story later today.

Ohio State looks at changes in compliance

((ht: 10tv.com))

It may be a little to little, a little too late, but Ohio State's Board of Trustees have been meeting the past couple of days and one of their main topics of discussion: Changes in compliance.

By now, we all know about the multitude of problems the school is currently facing and there is great fear that the compliance office may have failed the school. At the very least, they may become the fall guys.

Either way, the Trustees want changes, they just aren't sure of what those changes will be....yet.

Our friends at WBNS (10TV.com), explain, RIGHT HERE

We think this isn't a bad move, but as we said, it is way too late. And the fact that nothing will be implemented this year makes it essentially toothless. It appears, to some extent, the school is looking for someone to throw blame for the current mess on and it may be that the compliance office will be the primary target. We'll see.

Here's the TV Story from 10 Investigates (WBNS):

Ohio State compliance director gets a free car too

Doug Archie/Courtesy: dispatch.com

((ht: wbns-tv))

It must be nice to be in the compliance business.

We fully realize that big-time Universities have business arrangements with a variety of vendors and others within their communities. We also realize many employees, such as coaches and athletic directors and such often have Courtesy Car privilages written into their contract.

But it looks really odd, when the compliance director gets a car. Particularly at a school that seems to be having some issues with players getting the same treatment.

It may be totally above board and at some schools perfectly legitimate, but Ohio State compliance director Doug Archie, he gets a Courtesy Car.

And no, it doesn't come from one of the dealers at the center of the Terrelle Pryor investigation, but it does come from a dealership owned by a former player, who tells our friends at WBNS-TV, that he sometimes employes "Student-athletes" during the summer.

Read the full story from WBNS, RIGHT HERE

Hmmm. There are some serious conflicts of interest in this story--by that we mean the people involved. Yes, we readily admit, the car dealer in question, Miracle Motor Mart, may not be doing anything wrong. But it doesn't leave a particularly good impression either.

And no, Ohio State fans, this isn't ripping for the sake of ripping. Considering the perks that everyone OSU football seems to get, this is a legitimate questions. How can you tell kids not to take these kinds of deals, if you are taking them yourself.

Watch the WBNS story and see what you think:

HYPERBOLE ALERT: Pryor Apologizes With Rosenhaus Present, Media Gets No Q&A-Now with Video

Terrelle Pryor

((HT: WBNS-TV))

Terrelle Pryor met with the media alongside his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, to fall on whatever sword he thinks he needs to fall on without excuses...

Pryor is 9 credits short would like to graduate some day as a Buckeye. One of his goals to be the best person and role model he can be off the field...

Rosenhaus told the gathered media that there is no point in looking back and that the past is in the past. He thinks Pryor will be a great NFL quarterback and anticipates him being drafted in the first round of the Supplemental Draft...

Rosenhaus went on to trumpet his new client and his "good heart."

"He's going to look teams straight in the eye and tell them he made mistakes," Rosenhaus continued. "Today, he worked out with Chad OchoCinco. He raved about Terrelle. Anyone that is worried about his arm strength...??? Give me a break..."

Rosenhaus fells that his client will learn from the mistakes and not make the same mistakes twice being the best quarterback he can be working hard every day...

The uber-agent also shut it down after seven minutes of incessant rambling and raving- not giving his client the opportunity to answer any media questions.

An excellent media manipulation by Rosenhaus...and we'd like some of the illegal substance he consumed before the presser.

We might also add, this will do nothing to convince cynical NFL Experts or NFL Scouts about Pryor's character. There are far too many questions about what went down in Columbus and it appears that Rosenhaus has advised his client to pretend like they don't exist.

Anyone want to start a pool on the 1st team to ask about it?

Our friends at the Columbus Dispatch provide the video proof:

Lawyer who triggered Tressel/Ohio State-gate in deep trouble

Christopher Cicero--on left

((ht: columbus dispatch))

It appears that Mr. Christopher Cicero, former Ohio State football player and current attorney may not be an attorney much longer.

Cicero, you might remember was the person who e-mailed then Ohio State coach Jim Tressel warning him about his players selling memorabilia for free tattoo's. Cicero knew of the issue when the tattoo parlor owner, one Edward Rife, came to him for legal advice.

Rife came to him for advice after the feds raided his house and found some of the memorabilia. Cicero not only gave Tressel a heads up, he gave him a list of what Rife had and offered to try and get the gear back.

It was the same set of e-mails that Tressel summarily warned Terrelle Pryor's "Mentor" Ted Sarniak about. To put this in layman's terms. It's like a cop tipping off his brother before the brother is arrested. You can't do that.

Anyway, Cicero is facing a complaint with the Ohio Supreme Court's Office of Disciplinary Counsel and may very well lose his law license.

Read more from the Columbus Dispatch RIGHT HERE

This whole thing is a mess and so easily could have been avoided. Cicero, for lack of a better way to put it, was a moron for notifying Tressel and Tressel is equally as stupid for not telling anyone about it until after he was busted.

At this point Tressel has already gotten his reward for what happened, Cicero it appears, won't be far behind. However, perhaps the most blatant abuser in all of this, now former QB Terrelle Pryor, well, he signed with an agent today and while the school is going to suffer greatly for his arrogance, Pryor and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus will be trying to convince NFL teams that it wasn't his fault.

tOSU Compliance Has Eyed Photog Since Last Year

((HT: WBNS-TV Columbus))

Our love for 10Investigates continues...

According to our friends at WBNS-TV, Ohio State University's compliance office says it was looking into freelance photographer/memorabilia salesman Dennis Talbott as far back as a year ago.

Apparently, the university was looking into an anonymous tip and a possible connection between Talbott, Pryor and the local car dealerships that have come into play with Terrelle Pryor's penchant for switching out cars with a decent amount of speed during his time on campus.

Andrea Cambern tosses to Paul Aker...

Report: Terrelle Pryor trying to outrace paper trail ((UPDATE: But he has suitors))

Terrelle Pryor/ File

((ht: SportsbyBrooks))

It's bad enough to report on all the stuff going on with now former Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor's decision to leave the school. It worse to find out there might have been a really, really good reason for it.

Our friends at SportsbyBrooks report that Pryor's money connection for signed photos as reported on by ESPN, had been going on for a long time. And the NCAA new about it...as did the school.

Read the excellent report RIGHT HERE

If correct, and Brooks does a pretty good job, so we are quite sure he's not making this up, the rabbit hole is far deeper than has been reported at this point.

It does reinforce that this is...and has been a systemic problem and one that appears, at least on the surface, to show Ohio State tried sweeping this under the rug.

The fact that Mr. Dennis Talbott apparently didn't even hide his attempts at fan worship and selling memorabilia is all the more disturbing. The fact Ohio State told Mr. Talbott to disassociate and the school was cited by the NCAA and nobody new it, that is far scarier.

This doesn't bode well for the Buckeyes and we think they are going to have a really hard time proving there has been any Institutional Control going on. The question is who else will be taking the fall.

UPDATE: The Saskatchewan Roughriders have placed Pryor on their teritorial list of eligible draft players for 2011. There's also talk that Pryor could end up in the United Football League on the off chance that he would be interested in learning from coaches like Dennis Green, Jim Fassel, Jerry Glanville, or Marty Schottenheimer.

More Ohio State: Pryor's backup at same Tattoo Shop

((ht: wbns-tv))

Hmmm. What's that saying about smoke and fire? We ask only because there is a pretty continuous flow of information coming out of Columbus, Ohio relating to not only now former coach Jim Tressel, now former QB Terrelle Pryor, but now, quite possibly Pryor's back-up and possible new starter Kenny Guiton.

Kenny Guiton at Fine Line/Courtesy: WBNS-TV

WBNS-TV in Columbus published a report last night that Guiton along with several other teammates visited the same Fine Line tattoo parlor after the investigation on his teammates broke and coincidentally, there was a heavily autographed team football sitting in the lobby.

Read the WBNS Story RIGHT HERE

In this story, there are no "Specific" allegations stating Guiton broke a rule. The woman featured in this story says she was told the players were getting tattoo's in exchange for the football. Though they quote a now former parlor worker as saying he didn't believe such a transaction took place.

Again like many other witnesses who've surfaced during this mess, the woman in this story had to withhold her name. They all say they fear reprisals in Columbus and quite honestly, they are probably right. Despite everything that has happened, the Columbus faithful (fanbase), remains in denial and they don't seem to be hesitant to fire back on those coming forward.

We, and many others, agree with the inference that it goes on everywhere, but we aren't sure that it's to this extent. We've spent plenty of time around a "Big-Time" NCAA program and have seen a few "Questionable" things, but nothing like what appears to be going on in Columbus. We realize they have no NFL there, but it sounds an awful lot like they treated the Buckeye football players like it. We know college kids don't have a lot of money, but geez....

Watch the excellent WBNS/10 Investigates story here:

BREAKING: The Exodus Begins In Columbus, Pryor Leaves tOSU

Adam Schefter at the four-letter is saying Terrelle Pryor is declaring himself for a supplemental draft.

More when we know more

We know more...

According to Tom Farrey and Justine Gubar at ESPN, a former friend of Pryor's admits to them that Pryor made as much as $40k in the memorabilia bid-ness that he made for himself in his time on campus...

The HQ will restrain its mock surprise...
Here's Don Bell with that angle of the story...



"In the best interest of my teammates, I have made the decision to forego my senior year of football at The Ohio State University," Pryor said in a prepared statement read by his attorney Larry James...

Yeah, this ain't the last of this... expect the rest of the"Tattoo Five" to try and depart post haste...

OSU Fans show Jim Tressel love...at his house

March for Tressel/Courtesy: Columbus Dispatch

 ((ht: columbus dispatch))

You could say they stormed the Tressel. Or conquered the vest...or something like that.

Anyway, apparently a couple hundred Ohio State fans banded together in Columbus on Saturday and marched to now former head football coach Jim Tressel's house to show their support.

Tressel turned in his resignation Monday after admitting he withheld NCAA infractions regarding his players from his bosses at the school.

The resulting investigation(s), have put Ohio State at the forefront of a couple of investigations from the college football authorities.

Tressel spent nearly an hour posing for pictures, shaking hands and signing autographs for those who marched.

More from the Columbus Dispatch RIGHT HERE

We applaud the fans for showing their love for their coach. But unfortunately, it won't undo what has been done. One fan said he's going to boycott the school until president E.Gordon Gee and AD Gene Smith are gone. That's just idiotic.

Appreciate Tressel for some of the good things he did, and he did a bunch up in Columbus. But he made a mistake, one that he had to pay for. Morally right or not, he broke the rules...and then lied about it and you can't do that. It's no different than you doing something against your company's rules, then lying about it to your boss who has documentation to prove that you broke the rules... and lied. Bottom line...PERIOD!

And more from our friends at 10TV...

Dudley Ross Disputes SI Article

((HT: WBNS-TV))

Tattoo store owner Dudley Ross wouldn't go on-camera to dispute the Sports Illustrated article. Now, he's saying the quotes were "lies spun by people who wanted to bring him down."

That's a first... a desire to bring a tattoo store owner down...???

Here's Paul Aker ruling the HQ again...

More Ohio State woes: Compliance department warned in audit

E.Gordon Gee/courtesy: coacheshotseat.com

((ht: Columbus Dispatch))

Is this like piling on? Or is this the set-up for when the hammer drops so there is someone to blame that isn't E. Gordon Gee or Gene Smith?

A report released in this mornings Columbus Dispatch details an Ohio State University audit this past November that says tOSU's Compliance Department, under director Doug Archie "Wasn't doing enough to monitor the use of cars, uniforms and equipment by the schools athletes."

And considering the problems and allegations that have spawned out of the athletic department since that audit, there may be a problem.

According to the Dispatch, E.Gordon Gee says the school is "Taking a look at our failures" in the compliance department. But in the kiss of death, added "He wants Ohio State to set the standard for how a compliance department should operate."


Read the interestingly timed story RIGHT HERE

Here's the report from our friends at NBC4...
((HT: NBC4i.com))


We find it interesting that the department has six people monitoring some 1,000 plus athletes. There's no way they can keep up with that. Though they supposedly are adding two more positions.

With all the allegations, which you can read if you scan the OSG Sports archives over the past couple of months, we wonder if there may be a plan for some scapegoating going on here. That isn't to absolve Archie, though we seriously doubt he or his staff could keep up with every detail involving that many athletes.

What we do know is the school is in serious trouble and is in damage control mode. Don't think for a minute that Coach Jim Tressel's resignation wasn't suggested or asked for. There appears, at least on the surface, an atmosphere of entitlement for Football players who seem to be able to do whatever they want, when they want and it will always be taken care of. No, Columbus is not the 1st place this has ever happened and it isn't the only place it's happening now. But its not right and somebody is going to be taking the fall for this, the question is only who?

Terrelle Pryor's mom: I bought the 350Z

((ht: dispatch.com/wbns-tv))

Good for Thomasina Pryor for "buying" a car for her son. Her son, Terrelle Pryor has become the center of and NCAA investigation and other investigations after being found to have some "issues" connected to the cars he's driven.

It would appear, at least on the surface, that he has a serious "Car Jones", and somehow he and/or his mother have been able to afford multiple cars for him over the past 4-years.

The most recent car in question, the 350Z Pryor was seen driving, rather quickly, off the Ohio State campus on Tuesday, despite apparently, not having a drivers license, apparently was bought for him by mom.

The Dispatch.com story is RIGHT HERE

WBNS-TV, did a little more digging RIGHT HERE

There are still more than a few unanswered questions here: One, we don't cast aspersions on a mom buying her son a car, but we wonder how she and/or he can afford to go from a relatively new Dodge Charger to a Nissan 350Z so quickly. Most people, using a finance term, would be upside down, if they did that, since there is no evidence, the Charger was paid in full.

We still think there is a ton of "Fire" in this story. Precious few college age kids/families can afford to go through cars the way Pryor has. Period. We have no reason to believe his family is inordinately wealthy and can afford a car every year or two, yet that is exactly what they've done. And if "Mom" lives in Columbus, Ohio, what was Pryor driving the Denali to Pennsylvania for?

Anyway, here's your updated TV story from our friends at WBNS, who've been doing an excellent job digging on this story.

Tattoo You: Gee Says Gene Smith Is Safe

((HT: NBC4i.com Columbus))

Although the HQ would tend to wholly and unequivocally disagree, Ohio State University president Gordon Gee maintains that the job of his Athletics Director, Gene Smith, is safe in light of all the current allegations on campus...

We don't think he mentioned the compliance department in the interview below, though.

Here's the interview in full...


The HQ still thinks that Smith is on a short leash in all of this, and if the situation gets worse ((which we think it will in light of George Dohrmann's laughter on "The Dan Patrick Show" yesterday)) Smith is gone...

And Gee may be gone after this all settles...
Maybe Tressel's firing will get Gee fired after all...

Tressel- check...
Smith- waiting...
Gee- we're thinking Nixonian here...

Here's WBNS-TV's Kevin Landers with his version...
((HT: 10TV Columbus))


More when we know more...

Pryor's Mom Denies Any Car Issues With Terrelle

((HT: WBNS-TV))

The HQ can't thank the investigative unit at 10TV enough these days...

We enjoy how they advance the story on Terrelle Pryor, his cars, and tOSU...

The latest allegations center around all the rental cars Pryor has had during his tenure at Ohio State and the fact that he's had some moving violations while he's been in and around campus... in all the different cars...

Sometimes without insurance and all the other appropriate paperwork...

Now 10TV has caught up with Pryor's mom- off camera- and she is claiming that there's nothing wrong...


The HQ continues to think that tOSU is so screwed, it's not even funny...