catlover79
05-30-2011, 09:18 PM
http://www.fox8.com/sports/wjw-news-jim-tressel-resigns,0,7712840.story
By Dan Jovic | dan.jovic@fox8.com | Associated Press Reports
Staff Writer
6:33 p.m. EDT, May 30, 2011
Ohio State says football coach Jim Tressel has resigned as the NCAA investigates the Buckeyes for possible rules violations.
The university announced the resignation Monday. Tressel says in a statement that he met with university officials and agreed that it is in Ohio State's best interest that he resign.
"After meeting with university officials, we agreed that it is in the best interest of Ohio State that I resign as head football coach," Tressel said in a statement Monday morning. "The appreciation that Ellen and I have for the Buckeye Nation is immeasurable."
According to Ohio State, assistant coach Luke Fickell will be Ohio State's interim coach all of next season.
Athletics Director Gene Smith said, "We look forward to refocusing the football program on doing what we do best - representing this extraordinary University and its values on the field, in the classroom, and in life. We look forward to supporting Luke Fickell in his role as our football coach. We have full confidence in his ability to lead our football program."
Ohio State spokesman Jim Lynch said he was unaware of any buyout or severance package. He added that Tressel had returned from vacation Sunday night and met with Smith, who then met with staff. Tressel typed his resignation and submitted it to Smith, he said.
Tressel had been suspended for five games next season by the university for his prior knowledge of rules violations involving his players.
Smith said in a press conference in March that Tressel has also been fined $250,000 for the rules violations.
According to Smith, the suspension and fine were self-imposed by Ohio State University. Smith said Ohio State cooperated fully with an ongoing NCAA investigation.
Tressel was slated for a hearing before the NCAA Committee on Infractions August 12 in Indianapolis. He potentially faced an additional suspension at that hearing. The university still faces the potential loss of scholarships and ability to participate in bowl games if additional infractions are brought to light at that hearing.
Ohio State says in a release that it submitted a report to the NCAA that Tressel "violated provisions of NCAA Bylaw 10.1 when he failed to notify the university about information received involving two football student-athletes."
Ohio State says it "became aware of this situation on Jan. 13, while reviewing information on an unrelated legal issue."
A Yahoo! Sports report sparked investigations into exactly when Tressel knew of allegations of improper benefits to Pryor and five other players. The report claims Tressel knew as early as April 2010 -- at least seven months before the university found out.
The players have been suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season by the NCAA. Ohio State is in the process of appealing the player suspensions.
By Dan Jovic | dan.jovic@fox8.com | Associated Press Reports
Staff Writer
6:33 p.m. EDT, May 30, 2011
Ohio State says football coach Jim Tressel has resigned as the NCAA investigates the Buckeyes for possible rules violations.
The university announced the resignation Monday. Tressel says in a statement that he met with university officials and agreed that it is in Ohio State's best interest that he resign.
"After meeting with university officials, we agreed that it is in the best interest of Ohio State that I resign as head football coach," Tressel said in a statement Monday morning. "The appreciation that Ellen and I have for the Buckeye Nation is immeasurable."
According to Ohio State, assistant coach Luke Fickell will be Ohio State's interim coach all of next season.
Athletics Director Gene Smith said, "We look forward to refocusing the football program on doing what we do best - representing this extraordinary University and its values on the field, in the classroom, and in life. We look forward to supporting Luke Fickell in his role as our football coach. We have full confidence in his ability to lead our football program."
Ohio State spokesman Jim Lynch said he was unaware of any buyout or severance package. He added that Tressel had returned from vacation Sunday night and met with Smith, who then met with staff. Tressel typed his resignation and submitted it to Smith, he said.
Tressel had been suspended for five games next season by the university for his prior knowledge of rules violations involving his players.
Smith said in a press conference in March that Tressel has also been fined $250,000 for the rules violations.
According to Smith, the suspension and fine were self-imposed by Ohio State University. Smith said Ohio State cooperated fully with an ongoing NCAA investigation.
Tressel was slated for a hearing before the NCAA Committee on Infractions August 12 in Indianapolis. He potentially faced an additional suspension at that hearing. The university still faces the potential loss of scholarships and ability to participate in bowl games if additional infractions are brought to light at that hearing.
Ohio State says in a release that it submitted a report to the NCAA that Tressel "violated provisions of NCAA Bylaw 10.1 when he failed to notify the university about information received involving two football student-athletes."
Ohio State says it "became aware of this situation on Jan. 13, while reviewing information on an unrelated legal issue."
A Yahoo! Sports report sparked investigations into exactly when Tressel knew of allegations of improper benefits to Pryor and five other players. The report claims Tressel knew as early as April 2010 -- at least seven months before the university found out.
The players have been suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season by the NCAA. Ohio State is in the process of appealing the player suspensions.