NCAA hears Ohio State violations case, Tressel releases statement

INDIANAPOLIS - Ohio State's day in court has ended. Now it must wait for a month or two to find out the verdict.

A memorabilia-for-cash scandal that led to player suspensions, coach Jim Tressel's forced resignation and the departure of star quarterback Terrelle Pryor led ultimately to Ohio State's hearing before the NCAA's committee on infractions on Friday. Ohio State and NCAA officials, along with Tressel, were accompanied by a cadre of lawyers. They entered a downtown hotel's security-guarded ballroom at 8:30 a.m. Except for a short mid-morning break, they continued for four hours before the meeting ended.

Athletic director Gene Smith disclosed that Ohio State, in addition to other penalties it has self-imposed, will forfeit $338,000 as its share of the Big Ten's payment for having played in the 2011 Sugar Bowl.

Tressel declined to answer questions as he hustled with his attorney through the hotel's lobby and jumped on an elevator.

He did leave behind a release.

"I had an open and constructive exchange with the committee on infractions," the statement read. "They were well prepared and will now go about their work in deliberations. Again, I would like to apologize to the Buckeye nation, most especially to the players, staff and fans who remain so dear to me."

Now Ohio State must wait 6 to 8 weeks to find out its penalties.