Ohio State Scandals
Ohio State University is a well taught and respected school. But just like other schools, some of those football players screw up. In Ohio State's Football history there has only been three major scandals. One is a popular one but not for Woody Hayes when he punched a Clemson player. An older one is Art Schiltcher's gambling problems. The more recent one is the biggest: The Tattoogate Scandal.
A close up of Terrell Pryor's tattoos he sold his ring for.
The Gator Bowl
"The Punch"
It is the 1978 Gator Bowl; The Ohio State Buckeyes against the Clemson Tigers. One of three total meetings with these two teams (the other 2 are unspeakable). This is a big game as it ended one of Ohio State's greatest coaches career.
Ohio State was trailing 17-15 in the 4th quarter. Luckily they had the ball and was driving for the game winning touchdown. It was not meant to be apparently, as Ohio State's QB threw and interception to Charlie Bauman. And then the craziness began.
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Bauman ran out of bounds to eliminate any possibility of Ohio State getting the ball back. As he stood up Woody Hayes punched him in the face. Immediately there was a fight. OSU and Clemson players all a part of it. In the brawl, Hayes punched one of his own players. Hayes was fired shortly after.
Tattoogate
There has not been any major scandals for Ohio State, little things here or there. Tattoogate Scandal is by far the biggest. The basis of this scandal is five players sold autographs for tattoos; which is illegal.
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In 2010, five Ohio State players were accused for selling autographs for tattoos. It turns out they also sold championship rings for money. This is illegal because college athletes aren't allowed to make a profit off of their college career. Jim Tressel was also punished because he knew what happened but didn't do anything to stop it. In 2011, NCAA found out that a total of 28 players were actually involved.
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Extra Information:
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Tressel was suspended for 5 games and resigned while in this span
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Luke Fickell took over and they had a terrible season with a bowl game loss to Florida.
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The following season Urban Meyer took over and they went 12-0. Since the bowl ban was this season they couldn't even make a bowl game.
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The five main players involved were Mike Adams, Terrelle Pryor, Devier Posey, Dan Herron, and Solomon Thomas.
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Nearly all of these five players are in the NFL
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From left to right: Mike Adams, Dan Herron, Terrelle Pryor.
2008 Big Ten rings that were put on Ebay.