Another day, another allegation of a lack of oversight at Ohio State. This time, the Cleveland Plain Dealer alleges Jim Tressel was warned of Dennis Talbott's relationships with players as far back as 2007, before Terrelle Pryor even step foot on campus. Talbott allegedly paid Pryor $20,000 to $40,000 for signed memorabilia, according to an ESPN Outside the Lines report earlier this week.
Dennis Talbott On Ohio State’s Radar As Far Back As 2007, According To Report
The email sent to Tressel reportedly notified the Ohio State coach that Talbott had been selling signed pieces of memorabilia from players whose eligibility had not expired. Talbott was known to the staff at Ohio State as he was a credentialed media member at some point, though his access was not renewed in 2010. But if Tressel had been given warning about Talbott and his sale of signed memorabilia and did not act, it could be added to the ever-growing pile of allegations the NCAA is investigating.
The issue is whether Ohio State had reason to act when it came to Talbott’s access to the team; whether his continued presence around the program led to any NCAA violations that could have been prevented; and whether those at Ohio State committed potential violations if they failed to follow up on information.
The farther media organizations look into allegations of a lack of oversight at Ohio State, the deeper the rabbit hole goes. And if the current memorabilia trade allegations stretch back to 2007 and beyond, there appears to be a strong case for the dreaded lack of institutional control tag, or worse.
For more Ohio State, join Buckeyes community Along The Olentangy, SB Nation Cleveland and Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire. Also catch up on the latest news surrounding the Terrelle Pryor cars investigation, the scandal unfortunately labeled Tatgate and Jim Tressel's resignation.
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