Ohio State Compliance Statement – Ohio State Buckeyes
5/7/2011 12:00:00 AM | General
Statement from Douglas Archie, Associate Athletic Director for Compliance, in response to an inquiry from the Columbus Dispatch:
The OSU compliance office has strong and active monitoring programs for student-athlete vehicle registration that go above and beyond NCAA requirements and are among the most robust in the nation. As with any monitoring system, we are continually refining and improving our program – we set the bar high, and then look for ways to raise it even higher.
We would note that the presidents of both car dealerships named in today’s story contradicted the recollection of events that their ex-employee provided to the Dispatch, and on which the story relied. It’s also important to note that student athletes are permitted to purchase automobiles. What is not permitted is any special treatment in such sales, and we have seen no evidence to suggest that any special treatment was granted. Consistent with our standard procedures, we are nevertheless reviewing these sales to assure ourselves that our policies were adhered to.
We provide extensive and ongoing education to our student-athletes and their parents regarding preferential treatment regulations, and they are relied upon to understand and comply with these NCAA regulations. If violations of our institutional rules or NCAA regulations are found, they are appropriately investigated and individuals disciplined where necessary.
The university requires every student-athlete to provide us with detailed information about any vehicle they are driving or have purchased, including make and model, price, and if there are any co-signers. We have also worked with local businesses, including car dealerships, to ensure they understand the regulations, and, in the case of the car dealers, work with us to provide advance notice of vehicle sales involving student-athletes.
Because of the Federal Education Rights & Privacy Act, we are unable to provide additional details regarding specific situations.
