Black Heart Gold Pants, an Iowa Hawkeyes community

"A Cleveland-area businessman and Ohio State booster accepts responsibility for the payments that three football players received while attending a fundraiser staged by a charity led by his son-in-law. Though stopping short of saying he provided the $200 cash payments, Robert "Bobby" DiGeronimo confirmed to The Dispatch that he played a pivotal role in the payments that led to the players’ suspensions for violations of NCAA rules."

"The three Ohio State football players suspended for last week's season opener against Akron received $200 apiece at a charity event in Cleveland, according to documents obtained by The Dispatch. Running back Jordan Hall, cornerback Travis Howard and safety Corey Brown were given cash. The name and date of the event were redacted by Ohio State, as were the names of two other current players and two former OSU players who also participated. The other two current players did not receive money. According to the self-reported violation to the NCAA, the incident came to light Aug. 31 during a joint investigation with the NCAA enforcement staff."

After a suspension for accepting improper benefits, Luke Fickell announced that the three Buckeyes players will return this Saturday against Toledo. Howard and Hall are starters, and their return is welcome before Ohio State travels to play the Miami Hurricanes in week three.

COLUMBUS, Ohio— As part of its continued work with the NCAA to resolve any remaining football compliance issues, Ohio State today announced that it has self-reported violations involving three student-athletes. That review has led to junior running back Jordan Hall, sophomore defensive back Corey Brown, and junior defensive back Travis Howard disclosing that they had received impermissible benefits of $300 or less each in total at a charity event they attended earlier in the year. Consistent with past practice, the university immediately reviewed this information and self-reported the infractions to the NCAA and the Big Ten. In accordance with NCAA regulations, the university will not permit them to participate in the Sept. 3 game versus Akron. Although Ohio State has filed for their reinstatement for the remainder of the 2011 season, the university also is considering institutional sanctions for these student-athletes. Athletics Director Gene Smith said, "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. We believe in transparency with the NCAA, all regulatory bodies and all of Buckeye Nation." This is getting real old.