Ohio State Investigating Possible Rules Violation by QB Troy Smith

[Unassisted]

From the Dispatch web site.

OSU investigating possible rules violation by QB Smith
The Columbus Dispatch
Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith may have missed a class to attend a charitable camp sponsored by NFL quarterback Steve McNair, a violation of NCAA rules that would have occurred when Smith already was under suspension.
"We're aware of a possible violation," Ohio State sports information director Steve Snapp said today, adding that the athletics department is gathering information and has no timetable under which to disclose its findings.

Athletics director Gene Smith declined to comment today, and coach Jim Tressel is on vacation and unavailable for comment. A phone message left with the compliance department was not returned.

The new allegation concerns Smith's involvement in a Tennessee camp for underprivileged kids that was conducted by McNair, who plays for the Tennessee Titans. Other college quarterbacks attended the camp, but Smith was the only one who missed school.

NCAA rules include several conditions a player must meet to attend an outside event such as a camp. Having written permission from the university and not missing any classes are among the conditions.

If it is determined that Smith committed an inadvertent infraction, that would be considered a secondary violation, meaning the university likely would avoid punishment. Smith, however, could incur further penalties from the NCAA or Ohio State, especially in light of his earlier violation.

"But (penalties) all start with the institution," said Bob Williams, managing director of public and media relations for the NCAA. "Every case is incident-specific."

Smith already is on suspension for two games for accepting $500 from an OSU booster last year. Smith was forced to miss the team's Alamo Bowl victory over Oklahoma State, where Justin Zwick took over the quarterbacking duties. Smith also is scheduled to sit out the first game of this season against Miami of Ohio to complete his suspension.

Smith was 4-1 as a starter last year and had 386 total yards in a 37-21 win over Michigan on Nov. 20.