Men's Basketball: The Ohio State University has release this statement concerning today's decision by the NCAA appeals committee:
The University has received the report from the NCAA Division I Infractions Appeals Committee, and is pleased that it validates the University's actions with respect to Jim O'Brien. The Appeals Committee confirmed that Jim O'Brien's $6000 payment to a recruit was a violation of NCAA rules, and found that he improperly concealed that violation for five years. The Appeals Committee noted that O'Brien "should be acutely aware" of his obligation to affirmatively report NCAA violations, and that his failure to do so constituted concealment under NCAA rules.
The fact that some of O'Brien's and Paul Biancardi's violations have been reversed on a technicality in no way changes the fact that the University's termination of Jim O'Brien was right. He violated a fundamental recruiting rule in breach of his contract, and that violation has been affirmed by yet another governing body today.
"Because there is still pending litigation in this matter, the University will have no further statements at this time,? said Steve Snapp, associate director of athletics for communications