OSU Denies Story On New NCAA Issues

On Wednesday afternoon, ESPN.com’s Pat Forde reported that Ohio State had received another letter from the NCAA which claims it is still investigating more issues within the football program.

Jim Tressel and Gene Smith

Forde’s report, linked here, said these allegations could beyond what was outlined in a previous notice of allegations and would be discussed in a hearing before the Committee On Infractions on Friday in Indianapolis.

But OSU spokesman Jim Lynch issued a written response saying that is not the case. Lynch said OSU president Gordon Gee received a letter from the Aug. 3 but it said “nothing about additional allegations.”

“The university has not received any additional allegations from the NCAA,” Lynch said in a statement. “As a member institution, we are committed to working together with the NCAA to examine any information concerning potential violations of NCAA legislation.

“We do not anticipate discussing any additional allegations with the Committee on Infractions on Friday other than those self reported in March 2011.”

The NCAA came out in July stating that Ohio State would not be charged with failure to monitor or lack of institutional control in connection with violations committed last year by then-OSU coach Jim Tressel, who resigned on May 30.

Tressel is due to address the COI and answer questions at Friday’s hearing. Gee, athletic director Gene Smith and new coach Luke Fickell also figure to offer testimony.

Although the hearing will be closed to the media, Bucknuts.com plans to travel to Indianapolis and cover any news that emanates from the hearing site.

The Associated Press came out with two reports in recent days surrounding OSU’s issues. One noted that Tressel received nearly $22 million in salary and benefits in his time as the coach. The other quoted Smith as saying the NCAA issues will cost the school about $800,000 for its response and defense against the charges.