Embroiled in controversy involving NCAA rule violations, long-tenured Ohio State University head football coach Jim Tressel stepped down from his post May 30th. Assistant head coach Luke Fickell will serve as interim head coach for the 2011 season.
Tressel tendered his resignation almost three months after allegations surfaced that he had failed to inform NCAA officials regarding his players selling Ohio State football championship rings, jerseys and other memorabilia in exchange for tattoos.
“The bottom line is Jim Tressel knew what was going on. … he knew he lied to the NCAA,” said college football analyst Mark May, who believed Tressel should have resigned sooner, in an interview with ESPN.
Five Ohio State players were suspended five games for their involvement in the scandal, a list that includes star quarterback Terrelle Pryor. In an attempt of solidarity, Tressel requested his two-game suspension be increased to match the players’ suspensions on March 17th.
The following month, the NCAA formally alleged what were described as “potential major violations” that implicated Tressel in withholding information that allowed ineligible players to participate in football games.
Recent allegations suggest that the tattoo scandal was not the only instance of players selling memorabilia.
“It’s almost a culture of corruption,” May said in the same interview, referencing former Ohio State wide receiver Ray Small’s recent suggestion that players profiting off football memorabilia was commonplace.
Tressel, a prominent head coach in the college football landscape, compiled a 106-22 record during his ten years at Ohio State, which included the university’s first NCAA title in 34 years. The Buckeyes also saw trips to two BCS National Championship games under his leadership, including a 38-24 loss to LSU after the 2007 season.
His last game as head coach of the Ohio State football team came in a 31-26 win against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the 2011 Sugar Bowl.
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Contact Michael Harb at [email protected]