NCAA Smacks Ohio State with One Year Bowl Ban

The NCAA has smacked Ohio State with a one year bowl ban as a result of last year’s tattoo scandal, in addition to the recently discovered impermissible benefits handed out by booster Robert DiGeronimo. In addition to the bowl ban, Ohio State will lose nine scholarships over three years (four more than they self imposed) as well as three years of probation.

Athletic Director Gene Smith was adamant that Ohio State would not face stiff penalties, and even new coach Urban Meyer didn’t anticipate the severity of the punishment. The postseason ban will not only keep Ohio State out of a bowl game in 2012, but it will also prevent them from playing in the Big Ten Championship game if they were to win the division.

Former coach Jim Tressel was also on the receiving end of the NCAA’s punishment by receiving a 5-year show clause that will effectively keep him off the college sidelines for good.

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