Ohio State is scheduled to go before the NCAA committee on infractions Friday, but that doesn't mean the investigation of the football program is over.
The NCAA sent the school a letter a week ago saying the enforcement staff is looking into unspecified matters and that an investigation continues. A person with knowledge of the case confirmed the existence of the letter to USA TODAY on Wednesday. The person, who requested anonymity because the case is still pending, said no specific incidents or people who might be targeted were included in the letter. That person characterized the letter mainly as the enforcement staff taking a look at some circumstances. There is no indication at this point whether more action could be taken against the school. ESPN was the first to report OSU had received it.
Spokesman Jim Lynch, in an e-mail to USA TODAY late Wednesday, confirmed the school "has not received any additional allegations from the NCAA. As a member institution, we are committed to working together with the NCAA to examine any information concerning potential violations of NCAA legislation.
We do not anticipate discussing any additional allegations with the Committee on Infractions on Friday other than those self reported in March, 2011."
In Indianapolis at a retreat for university presidents which included Ohio State's E. Gordon Gee, NCAA President Mark Emmert, when asked about the Ohio State situation, said, "We have a process in place and we'll let that process work out."
Ohio State officials and former coach Jim Tressel will be in Indianapolis on Friday for the infractions hearing. Typically, any sanctions will not be announced at least for a few months. The NCAA can either accept Ohio State's self-imposed penalties, which include two years of probation and vacating last year's 12-win season and share of the Big Ten championship, or it can add to them.
Also Wednesday, athletics director Gene Smith confirmed to the Associated Press that Ohio State has spent about $800,000 on the investigation.
The Buckeyes have been dealing with the NCAA since last December when it was discovered five players had received impermissible benefits. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor and four others were allowed to play in the Sugar Bowl and serve their penalties in the 2011 season.
After the season, it was discovered Tressel had lied about his knowledge of the violations. An ensuing investigation led to Tressel's resignation and Pryor leaving school because of concerns about his eligibility.
See photos of: Ohio State Buckeyes, NCAA
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