The first step in the resignation of Jim Tressel was taken at 2:32 p.m. on Friday, April 2, 2010, when the Ohio State football coach received an email from Columbus attorney Christopher T. Cicero, a former walk-on player at OSU who wanted to warn the coach that his players had been selling signed memorabilia to tattoo parlor owner Edward Rife.
What follows is a summary of events since that day, largely through quotes from the principals.
April 2, 2010
"I am being told (REDACTED) and other players have taken Eddie Rife signed Ohio State memorabilia (shirts/jerseys/footballs) to Eddie who has been selling it for profit. I don't know if he gives any money in return to any players. I have been told OSU players including (REDACTED) have been given free tatoo's (sic) in exchange for signed memorabilia."
- Chris Cicero, Columbus attorney, in an email to Jim Tressel
April 2, 2010
"Thanks. . .I will get on it ASAP."
- Tressel, in a response to Cicero
April 16, 2010
"(Rife) told me he has about 9 rings Big Ten championship. ... What I tell you is confidential."
- Cicero email to Tressel
April 16, 2010
"I hear you!! It is unbelievable!! Thanks for your help . . . keep me posted as to what I need to do if anything. I will keep pounding these kids hoping they grow up."
- Tressel, in response
Sept. 13, 2010
Along with every other athletic department employee, Tressel signs an annual NCAA certificate of compliance form indicating he has reported to the school any knowledge of possible violations.
Dec. 7, 2010
The U.S. attorney's office contacts Ohio State, letting officials know they had discovered some Ohio State memorabilia during a raid on Rife's home and/or business.
Dec. 9, 2010
"On or about" this day, Tressel first hears of what federal officials know about his players' items. He does not tell OSU officials about his email exchanges earlier in the year.
Dec. 16, 2010
Ohio State first interviews the six players found to be involved with Rife (quarterback Terrelle Pryor, running back Daniel Herron, receiver DeVier Posey, offensive tackle Mike Adams, defensive end Solomon Thomas and reserve linebacker Jordan Whiting). A week later, OSU athletic director Gene Smith thanks the players for their conduct in these interviews, "because they were honest (and) forthright."
Dec. 17, 2010
Ohio State contacts the Big Ten and NCAA to say that it is preparing a self-report of violations.
Dec. 19, 2010
OSU turns in the self-report and declares the six players ineligible.
Dec. 21, 2010
The NCAA conducts phone interviews with the players and then asks for additional information, which Ohio State provides on Dec. 22.
Dec. 22, 2010
The NCAA tells Ohio State of its decision - five-game suspensions for five players and one game for Whiting, as well as allowing the players to remain eligible for the Buckeyes' game against Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 4.
Dec. 23, 2010
"The decisions that they made, they made to help their families. . . . So these young men went into their decision with the right intent."
Smith, at a news conference announcing the NCAA suspension of the six players.
Dec. 23, 2010
"I think we all have a little sensor within us, that, 'Boy, I'm not sure I should be doing this.' ... We have to seek the right solutions, and the right solutions are to come to people who understand the rules, who know what our options are, who could maybe provide a direction we could go."
- Tressel at the same news conference, talking about his disappointment in the players' actions.
Dec. 23, 2010
"As far as we know and what we're dealing with, this is the extent. It's limited to these particular guys and we feel very confident that this is the extent of it."
- Smith, asked if he expected there to be any more revelations.
Dec. 31, 2010
"What if our guys weren't sanctioned this year and they happened to leave early? Would that be someone skirting the consequences for something they perhaps shouldn't have done?"
- Tressel, announcing that the five suspended juniors had all pledged to return in 2011, as a condition of playing in the Sugar Bowl.
Jan. 1, 2011
"Any time they'd say something, I'd (think), 'I did that.' "
- Quarterback Terrelle Pryor, one of the suspended players, talking about sitting in compliance meetings after he had sold memorabilia.
Jan. 13, 2011
While reviewing information on an unrelated legal issue, Ohio State's office of legal affairs discovers Tressel's email exchanges with Cicero. School officials searched email accounts of all other football staff members and found no evidence that any other staffer knew of the players' involvement with Rife before December 2010.
Jan. 16, 2011
Tressel is questioned by school officials and first acknowledges receiving the emails. In its March 8 self-report to the NCAA, Ohio State officials write, "As you know, shortly thereafter, you were informed of this and invited to participate" in the investigation.
Feb. 8, 2011
NCAA and school officials interview Tressel. It is now that Tressel admits he understood he committed an NCAA violation and said he did not look at eligibility issues before December because he figured it was inevitable that the players eventually would be sanctioned. Additional interviews "with various individuals" are conducted over the next two weeks.
March 8, 2011
"I am sincerely saddened I let some people down and didn't do things as well as I possibly could."
- Tressel, at news conference announcing he had violated an NCAA rule by withholding information.
March 8, 2011
"Wherever we end up, at the end of the day, Jim Tressel is our football coach. ... He's our coach, and we trust him implicitly."
- Smith
March 8, 2011
"Are you kidding? I'm just hopeful the coach doesn't dismiss me."
- University president E. Gordon Gee, when asked if he considered firing Tressel.
March 11, 2011
"I'm not the Judas in this situation, you know. I feel like Peter, but I'm not the Judas."
- Cicero, on ESPN.
March 14, 2011
"I sincerely apologize for what we've been through. I apologize for the fact I wasn't able to find the ones to partner with to handle our difficult and complex situation."
- Tressel, in Canton at his first public appearance since his NCAA violation was announced. Smith later said that he talked to Tressel after the March 8 news conference, where he was supposed to apologize more explicitly.
March 24, 2011
"Mr. Sarniak and Terrelle Pryor have been friends for a number of years and their friendship dates back prior to Terrelle's enrollment at Ohio State. ... The university continues to monitor the association between the two in case any concerns arise."
- OSU director of compliance Doug Archie, after The Dispatch reported that Tressel had forwarded Cicero's emails to Ted Sarniak, a Jeanette, Pa., businessman and mentor to Pryor.
March 30, 2011
"I've never had that thought. That wouldn't be something that would jump in my mind unless there came that point in time where I said, 'You know what? The best thing for these kids is if I do,' and I don't feel that way."
- Tressel, asked at a news conference before spring practices began if he had ever considered resigning.
March 30, 2011
"I'm humbled and excited by the opportunity."
- Luke Fickell, named interim coach for the first five games of the 2011 season while Tressel served a suspension.
April 22, 2011
The NCAA sends Ohio State a "notice of allegations" accusing Tressel of lying to investigators and failing to disclose possible NCAA violations to his compliance office and/or superiors.
May 6, 2011
"We have nothing to believe a violation has occurred."
- Archie, responding to a Dispatch report that a number of OSU players and family members may have received improper discounts when buying used cars at a Columbus dealership.
May 18, 2011
"This case has had an incredible amount of piling on by media. ... It's almost if people think if they write one more article, it will be the straw that broke the camel's back."
- Former NCAA official Gene Marsh, hired by Tressel to represent him at the Aug. 12 hearing with the NCAA Committee on Infractions.
May 25, 2011
"They have a lot (of dirt) on everybody because everybody was doing it."
- Former OSU receiver Ray Small, telling OSU's student newspaper, The Lantern, about sales of memorabilia and discounts received while he was at OSU. One day later, he recanted much of what he said.
May 30, 2011
"After meeting with university officials, we agreed that it is in the best interest of Ohio State that I resign as head football coach. The appreciation that Ellen and I have for the Buckeye Nation is immeasurable."
- Tressel, in a university-issued statement announcing his resignation.
May 30, 2011
"In consultation with the senior leadership of the Board of Trustees, I have been actively reviewing matters attendant to our football program, and I have accepted Coach Tressel's resignation. The university's enduring public purposes and its tradition of excellence continue to guide our actions."
- Gee, in the same statement.
May 30, 2011
"We look forward to refocusing the football program on doing what we do best - representing this extraordinary university and its values on the field, in the classroom, and in life. We look forward to supporting Luke Fickell in his role as our football coach. We have full confidence in his ability to lead our football program."
What follows is a summary of events since that day, largely through quotes from the principals.
April 2, 2010
"I am being told (REDACTED) and other players have taken Eddie Rife signed Ohio State memorabilia (shirts/jerseys/footballs) to Eddie who has been selling it for profit. I don't know if he gives any money in return to any players. I have been told OSU players including (REDACTED) have been given free tatoo's (sic) in exchange for signed memorabilia."
- Chris Cicero, Columbus attorney, in an email to Jim Tressel
April 2, 2010
"Thanks. . .I will get on it ASAP."
- Tressel, in a response to Cicero
April 16, 2010
"(Rife) told me he has about 9 rings Big Ten championship. ... What I tell you is confidential."
- Cicero email to Tressel
April 16, 2010
"I hear you!! It is unbelievable!! Thanks for your help . . . keep me posted as to what I need to do if anything. I will keep pounding these kids hoping they grow up."
- Tressel, in response
Sept. 13, 2010
Along with every other athletic department employee, Tressel signs an annual NCAA certificate of compliance form indicating he has reported to the school any knowledge of possible violations.
Dec. 7, 2010
The U.S. attorney's office contacts Ohio State, letting officials know they had discovered some Ohio State memorabilia during a raid on Rife's home and/or business.
Dec. 9, 2010
"On or about" this day, Tressel first hears of what federal officials know about his players' items. He does not tell OSU officials about his email exchanges earlier in the year.
Dec. 16, 2010
Ohio State first interviews the six players found to be involved with Rife (quarterback Terrelle Pryor, running back Daniel Herron, receiver DeVier Posey, offensive tackle Mike Adams, defensive end Solomon Thomas and reserve linebacker Jordan Whiting). A week later, OSU athletic director Gene Smith thanks the players for their conduct in these interviews, "because they were honest (and) forthright."
Dec. 17, 2010
Ohio State contacts the Big Ten and NCAA to say that it is preparing a self-report of violations.
Dec. 19, 2010
OSU turns in the self-report and declares the six players ineligible.
Dec. 21, 2010
The NCAA conducts phone interviews with the players and then asks for additional information, which Ohio State provides on Dec. 22.
Dec. 22, 2010
The NCAA tells Ohio State of its decision - five-game suspensions for five players and one game for Whiting, as well as allowing the players to remain eligible for the Buckeyes' game against Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 4.
Dec. 23, 2010
"The decisions that they made, they made to help their families. . . . So these young men went into their decision with the right intent."
Dec. 23, 2010
"I think we all have a little sensor within us, that, 'Boy, I'm not sure I should be doing this.' ... We have to seek the right solutions, and the right solutions are to come to people who understand the rules, who know what our options are, who could maybe provide a direction we could go."
- Tressel at the same news conference, talking about his disappointment in the players' actions.
Dec. 23, 2010
"As far as we know and what we're dealing with, this is the extent. It's limited to these particular guys and we feel very confident that this is the extent of it."
- Smith, asked if he expected there to be any more revelations.
Dec. 31, 2010
"What if our guys weren't sanctioned this year and they happened to leave early? Would that be someone skirting the consequences for something they perhaps shouldn't have done?"
- Tressel, announcing that the five suspended juniors had all pledged to return in 2011, as a condition of playing in the Sugar Bowl.
Jan. 1, 2011
"Any time they'd say something, I'd (think), 'I did that.' "
- Quarterback Terrelle Pryor, one of the suspended players, talking about sitting in compliance meetings after he had sold memorabilia.
Jan. 13, 2011
While reviewing information on an unrelated legal issue, Ohio State's office of legal affairs discovers Tressel's email exchanges with Cicero. School officials searched email accounts of all other football staff members and found no evidence that any other staffer knew of the players' involvement with Rife before December 2010.
Jan. 16, 2011
Tressel is questioned by school officials and first acknowledges receiving the emails. In its March 8 self-report to the NCAA, Ohio State officials write, "As you know, shortly thereafter, you were informed of this and invited to participate" in the investigation.
Feb. 8, 2011
NCAA and school officials interview Tressel. It is now that Tressel admits he understood he committed an NCAA violation and said he did not look at eligibility issues before December because he figured it was inevitable that the players eventually would be sanctioned. Additional interviews "with various individuals" are conducted over the next two weeks.
March 8, 2011
"I am sincerely saddened I let some people down and didn't do things as well as I possibly could."
- Tressel, at news conference announcing he had violated an NCAA rule by withholding information.
March 8, 2011
"Wherever we end up, at the end of the day, Jim Tressel is our football coach. ... He's our coach, and we trust him implicitly."
- Smith
March 8, 2011
"Are you kidding? I'm just hopeful the coach doesn't dismiss me."
- University president E. Gordon Gee, when asked if he considered firing Tressel.
March 11, 2011
"I'm not the Judas in this situation, you know. I feel like Peter, but I'm not the Judas."
- Cicero, on ESPN.
March 14, 2011
"I sincerely apologize for what we've been through. I apologize for the fact I wasn't able to find the ones to partner with to handle our difficult and complex situation."
- Tressel, in Canton at his first public appearance since his NCAA violation was announced. Smith later said that he talked to Tressel after the March 8 news conference, where he was supposed to apologize more explicitly.
March 24, 2011
"Mr. Sarniak and Terrelle Pryor have been friends for a number of years and their friendship dates back prior to Terrelle's enrollment at Ohio State. ... The university continues to monitor the association between the two in case any concerns arise."
- OSU director of compliance Doug Archie, after The Dispatch reported that Tressel had forwarded Cicero's emails to Ted Sarniak, a Jeanette, Pa., businessman and mentor to Pryor.
March 30, 2011
"I've never had that thought. That wouldn't be something that would jump in my mind unless there came that point in time where I said, 'You know what? The best thing for these kids is if I do,' and I don't feel that way."
- Tressel, asked at a news conference before spring practices began if he had ever considered resigning.
March 30, 2011
"I'm humbled and excited by the opportunity."
- Luke Fickell, named interim coach for the first five games of the 2011 season while Tressel served a suspension.
April 22, 2011
The NCAA sends Ohio State a "notice of allegations" accusing Tressel of lying to investigators and failing to disclose possible NCAA violations to his compliance office and/or superiors.
May 6, 2011
"We have nothing to believe a violation has occurred."
- Archie, responding to a Dispatch report that a number of OSU players and family members may have received improper discounts when buying used cars at a Columbus dealership.
May 18, 2011
"This case has had an incredible amount of piling on by media. ... It's almost if people think if they write one more article, it will be the straw that broke the camel's back."
- Former NCAA official Gene Marsh, hired by Tressel to represent him at the Aug. 12 hearing with the NCAA Committee on Infractions.
May 25, 2011
"They have a lot (of dirt) on everybody because everybody was doing it."
- Former OSU receiver Ray Small, telling OSU's student newspaper, The Lantern, about sales of memorabilia and discounts received while he was at OSU. One day later, he recanted much of what he said.
May 30, 2011
"After meeting with university officials, we agreed that it is in the best interest of Ohio State that I resign as head football coach. The appreciation that Ellen and I have for the Buckeye Nation is immeasurable."
- Tressel, in a university-issued statement announcing his resignation.
May 30, 2011
"In consultation with the senior leadership of the Board of Trustees, I have been actively reviewing matters attendant to our football program, and I have accepted Coach Tressel's resignation. The university's enduring public purposes and its tradition of excellence continue to guide our actions."
- Gee, in the same statement.
May 30, 2011
"We look forward to refocusing the football program on doing what we do best - representing this extraordinary university and its values on the field, in the classroom, and in life. We look forward to supporting Luke Fickell in his role as our football coach. We have full confidence in his ability to lead our football program."