OSU investigates tattoo allegations
Published 5:00 am Thursday, December 23, 2010
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS — Ohio State is investigating allegations that several football players traded autographs for tattoos, according to multiple reports.
WBNS-TV and The Columbus Dispatch, both citing unidentified sources, reported on their websites Wednesday night that the school was looking into the possible NCAA violations just two weeks before the Buckeyes face Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 4.
Quarterback Terrelle Pryor, not mentioned in either report, quickly responded on Twitter.
“I paid for my tattoos. GoBucks” he posted.
The Associated Press left telephone, text and e-mail messages seeking comment from coach Jim Tressel, athletic director Gene Smith, the school’s compliance director and other university officials.
Asked by the AP to respond to the allegations, Ohio State associate athletic director Dan Wallenberg said in an e-mail, “No information to share.”
Team spokeswoman Shelly Poe said after Tuesday’s practice that each player was eligible for the bowl. She said she was unaware of any NCAA investigation.
The Buckeyes have several days off before reporting back to campus on Sunday night. They practice Monday and Tuesday before flying to New Orleans for the BCS bowl game on Dec. 29.