* New * Ohio State quarterback cleared of rules violation
ASSOCIATED PRESS
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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith did not break any NCAA rules when he missed a class to attend a football camp sponsored by Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair this summer, the school said today.
Ohio State athletic department officials spent six weeks probing Smith’s attendance at the June football camp in Nashville, Tenn.
NCAA rules prohibit players from attending educational or charitable activities if they miss class and do not get written permission from the school’s athletic director.
But because Smith was hired to be at the camp, his presence fell outside the scope of NCAA rules, the school said.
“It was something that he was employed to do, so it falls underneath the category of student-athlete employment,” Ohio State spokesman Steve Snapp said. “It was not a promotional or educational activity.”
The camp paid for Smith’s overnight accommodations — his only form of payment, Snapp said.
The Big Ten said today that it agreed with the school’s findings.
But Smith still may face a reprimand from coach Jim Tressel.
“Anytime a student-athlete misses a class, it is unacceptable,” Tressel said in a statement. “Troy understands how I feel about the situation and knows there will be consequences.”
Last year, Ohio State suspended Smith from the Alamo Bowl for accepting about $500 from a team booster. The NCAA also suspended him for the Alamo Bowl along with the 2005 season opener against Miami (Ohio).
ASSOCIATED PRESS
<CENTER></CENTER>
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith did not break any NCAA rules when he missed a class to attend a football camp sponsored by Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair this summer, the school said today.
Ohio State athletic department officials spent six weeks probing Smith’s attendance at the June football camp in Nashville, Tenn.
NCAA rules prohibit players from attending educational or charitable activities if they miss class and do not get written permission from the school’s athletic director.
But because Smith was hired to be at the camp, his presence fell outside the scope of NCAA rules, the school said.
“It was something that he was employed to do, so it falls underneath the category of student-athlete employment,” Ohio State spokesman Steve Snapp said. “It was not a promotional or educational activity.”
The camp paid for Smith’s overnight accommodations — his only form of payment, Snapp said.
The Big Ten said today that it agreed with the school’s findings.
But Smith still may face a reprimand from coach Jim Tressel.
“Anytime a student-athlete misses a class, it is unacceptable,” Tressel said in a statement. “Troy understands how I feel about the situation and knows there will be consequences.”
Last year, Ohio State suspended Smith from the Alamo Bowl for accepting about $500 from a team booster. The NCAA also suspended him for the Alamo Bowl along with the 2005 season opener against Miami (Ohio).
