It’s a never-ending story at Ohio State. Three more football players are in hot water for receiveing improper benefits. That will most likely mean even more trouble for the Buckeyes program.
The school self-reported the benefits late Thursday afternoon, according to Rusty Miller of The Associated Press. Apparently, running back Jordan Hall, defensive back Corey Brown and defensive back Travis Howard each received benefits of $300 or less earlier this year.
The Ohio State compliance department had already warned athletes not to break NCAA rules after a handful of players were caught in a signed-merchandise-for-cash scheme.
The three most recently benefited players will not be suiting for the season opener, either – bringing he total number of players sidelined for NCAA infractions to eight.
“We take this matter seriously,” Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said in a statement. “Our commitment to institutional integrity is steadfast, and we must hold everyone associated with our athletics programs accountable for lapses in judgment. We believe in transparency with the NCAA, all regulatory bodies and all of Buckeye Nation.”
Hall and Howard, both juniors, were listed as the starters. Hall, from Jeannette, Pa., is a former high school teammate of Terrelle Pryor who one of the players who was suspended for trading memorabilia for cash and tattoos. Pryor entered the NFL supplemental draft rather than wait to play another year.
According to a release issued by the university, the three players were suspended from the team, and the university then asked the NCAA to reinstate them for the rest of the season. The university also is considering institutional sanctions for the three though, when contacted, Ohio State officials declined further comment.
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