The NCAA has given Ohio State a one-year bowl ban and the loss of nine scholarships. The penalties stem from the much publicized tattoo-gate and subsequent cover up. The Buckeyes will not be allowed to participate in a bowl game or the Big Ten Championship game next season. “We are surprised and disappointed with the NCAA’s decision,” athletics director Gene Smith said in a statement. “However, we have decided not to appeal the decision because we need to move forward as an institution."
The Buckeye athletic department was openly confident that their self-imposed penalties -- which included the reduction of five scholarships, but no bowl ban -- would satisfy the NCAA. I guess not.