Ohio State's Jim Tressell Charged with "Major" Violations

Although many in Columbus were hoping for the healing to begin for Ohio State and their beloved football program, it looks as though the wounds are only getting deeper.

On Monday, the NCAA issued an indictment accusing Ohio State's Jim Tressel of withholding information and lying to keep his players from becoming suspended for accepting financial benefits from the owner of a local tattoo parlor. It is believed that Tressel withheld information from both the school and NCAA officials for more than nine months.

In a statement issued by NCAA officials, the allegations against Coach Tressel are "potential major violations." University officials have 90 days to respond to the NCAA's request for information; a hearing will be held in Indianapolis on August 12th. Athletic director Gene Smith was reached, but currently has no comment on the situation and doesn't plan to until the case is resolved.

This leaves many to speculate about the future of Jim Tressel and his future in Columbus. ESPN college football personality and former OSU quarterback Kirk Herbstreit spoke on ESPN radio earlier today and had some interesting comments about his alma mater's current football coach:

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"If this would have happened to John Cooper, not only would they have fired him, they would have actually lined it up and had a firing squad and fired him."

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He would go on to add:

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"I think it would be very difficult moving forward with Jim Tressel."

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Herbstreit didn't stop there—he also accused OSU fans of "blindly following" Coach Tressel. Very strong words coming from a former player of John Cooper.

How will this end, Buckeye fans? Will Jim Tressel be able to keep his job after all the dust settles?

That remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: The mud is only getting thicker!