COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith says his department must answer several questions from the NCAA before three players suspended for accepting $200 in cash at a charity event are allowed to return to the team.
Speaking before the 15th-ranked Buckeyes’ home game against Toledo on Saturday, Smith also tells The Associated Press he did not believe the latest suspensions will add to the penalties Ohio State receives for separate NCAA violations stemming from players trading memorabilia for cash and tattoos.
He says his major concern about Ohio State’s sanctions is the university is considered a “repeat violator” and the NCAA could assess more severe penalties — possibly a postseason bowl ban. Smith says he feels that is not warranted.
