Tattoo-gate: Ohio State players trade autographs for tattoos

Less than a few weeks away from their Sugar Bowl game with Arkansas, Ohio State may be on the verge of suspending some of their players. Several news outlets including the Columbus Dispatch reports that players allegedly traded autographs for tattoos.

An athletic department spokesman said yesterday that no players had been suspended for the bowl and would not acknowledge that an investigation was taking place, citing privacy issues. Athletic director Gene Smith has not responded to multiple attempts for comment but has scheduled a news conference at noon today.

For what it’s worth, stud quarterback Terrelle Pryor wants everybody to know that he paid for his tats. Yesterday, he went on his Twitter account after reportedly seeing his name amongst the guilty on message boards, etc…

All in all, this will be much ado about nothing. OSU is one of those schools that just never feels the wrath of the NCAA–one of their golden goose if you will.

Maurice Clarett was basically driving any car he wanted and the NCAA acted as if he was Lee Harvey Oswald in the Book Depository with a long-range rifle.

And yet, Jim Tressel was standing on the Grassy Knoll with an umbrella.

*UPDATE*

Well, well, well, turns out I was wrong about the NCAA. The hammer came down but not for this year’s bowl game.

Five players were found to have sold awards, gifts and university apparel, plus receive improper benefits in 2009. In addition to missing five games next season, Pryor, Mike Adams, Daniel Herron, Devier Posey and Solomon Thomas must repay money and benefits ranging in value from $1,000 to $2,500. The repayments must be made to a charity.

Ohio State looks into claim of tattoos for autographs [Dispatch]

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