Jim Tressel seems to be digging himself into a bigger hole each week regarding the allegations that he withheld information about his players selling memorabilia to a Columbus tattoo parlor owner.

According to reports, Tressel forwarded emails about his players committing NCAA violations despite saying that he had concerns about the confidentiality during a federal investigation that in turn led him to keep the information from Ohio State University and the NCAA. Furthermore Tressel sent at least some of the information contained in emails to Pennsylvania business man and Terrel Pryor’s mentor Ted Sarniak. Pryor was one of the two players mentioned in the emails that said he sold memorabilia to Edward Rife the tattoo parlor owner under the federal investigation.

Essentially what this does is pretty much destroy Tressel’s claim and defense that he didn’t inform Ohio State University and the NCAA because he didn’t want to endanger the federal investigation. Because of the original allegations of Tressel is under investigation by the NCAA.

According to Sporting News and the Colubmus Dispatch, Ohio State officials would not comment on the accuracy of the report.

“We are not discussing any issue relative to the case until it is resolved with the NCAA,” a school official told the newspaper.

This all certainly adds more heat to the situation surrounding the entire Ohio State Athletic Department. Further questions will continue to be raised especially regarding Jim Tressel’s job security.

Source: Sporting News, Columbus Dispatch

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