Amid allegations that he failed to notify university officials of "emails he received about some of his players receiving improper benefits", Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel has resigned. Tressel said in a statement Monday morning.
"After meeting with university officials, we agreed that it is in the best interest of Ohio State that I resign as head football coach. The appreciation that Ellen and I have for the Buckeye Nation is immeasurable."
Aaron Kniffin, a used car salesman at two dealerships in Columbus, is in the middle of another possible scandal in which he made "at least 50 sales" to "dozens of OSU athletes" that violates NCAA rules. Players such as Terrelle Pryor, DeVier Posey, Solomon Thomas and Dan Herron, players already suspended during the first five games in 2011, reportedly made purchases at one of those dealerships.
In a letter sent to university trustees on Monday, President E. Gordon Gee wrote:
"As you all know, I appointed a special committee to analyze and provide advice to me regarding issues attendant to our football program," the letter said, according to The Columbus Dispatch, which first reported Tressel's decision. "In consultation with the senior leadership of the University and the senior leadership of the Board, I have been actively reviewing the matter and have accepted Coach Tressel's resignation.
We know this has nothing to do with the Bengals, but Bengals nation has many Buckeye followers and alumni. In ten seasons with the Buckeyes, Tressel finishes his Ohio State reign with a 106-22 record, a national championship and seven Big Ten titles.