Columbus, OH – Ohio State has suspended three players for Saturday's game against Akron as a result of NCAA rules violations.
Junior running back Jordan Hall, sophomore defensive back Corey Brown, and junior defensive back Travis Howard will each sit out the season opener after accepting impermissible benefits of $300 or less at a charity event earlier this year.
The trio may also face additional sanctions, according to Ohio State athletics director Gene Smith.
"We take this matter seriously. Our commitment to institutional integrity is steadfast, and we must hold everyone associated with our athletics programs accountable for lapses in judgment," Smith said. "We believe in transparency with the NCAA, all regulatory bodies and all of Buckeye Nation."
The suspensions come several months after Ohio State vacated wins from the 2010 season as part of self-imposed sanctions stemming from the NCAA investigation surrounding rules violations within the football program.
Last December, the NCAA suspended quarterback Terrelle Pryor, running back Dan Herron, receiver DeVier Posey, offensive lineman Mike Adams and defensive lineman Solomon Thomas for the first five games of 2011 season for receiving improper benefits. The players sold athletic awards, apparel and/or equipment to a the owner of a local tattoo parlor in 2009, violations known by then-head coach Jim Tressel, who has since resigned.
Pryor also left Ohio State and was taken in the NFL supplemental draft by the Oakland Raiders.
The program may face more sanctions from the NCAA Committee on Infractions.
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