Statement of President Karen A. Holbrook

We are here today to announce a significant step in the University’s ongoing investigation of its men’s basketball program: the implementation of a self-imposed sanction in response to violations of NCAA rules.

I want to emphasize that today’s action reflects the forthrightness and seriousness with which the University has dealt with this matter from the beginning. Our investigation has raised the need for further decisive institutional action.

The infraction we are acting on today involves improper cash benefits given to a recruit who ultimately did not come to The Ohio State University.

We have notified the NCAA of the step we are taking. The self-imposed sanctions on the men’s basketball program, to date, are as follows:
·The dismissal of the head men’s basketball coach – which occurred on June 8, 2004
·A one-year ban on NCAA and NIT post-season competition following this season.

Our announcement today is consistent with the proactive posture the Department of Athletics and the University has adopted since these matters first came to light. It is important to note that the NCAA investigation is ongoing and several interviews still must take place. It is likely that the University will announce further self-imposed sanctions when the investigation is complete.

Ohio State remains fully committed to maintaining an academically sound, ethical, and successful intercollegiate athletics program in all 35 sports serving 1,000 student-athletes, our student body, alumni, fans and friends of the University. Ohio State has a proud tradition of intercollegiate athletics and a position of leadership in the Big Ten and the NCAA and thus we are disappointed that we are here today to announce the action we feel we must take.

I’m now pleased to introduce an individual well-known to all of you – our Director of Athletics, Andy Geiger, who is among the most respected athletic directors in this country.