Football
After Digesting Facts, OSU says Spaghetti-Gate Not NCAA Poison for OSU Players
By John Porentas and from OSU Press Release

A report earlier this week that appeared in the Akron Beacon Journal raised questions of NCAA violations regarding a spaghetti dinner held in Akron that was originally intended to benefit the parents of several OSU football players. The organizers of that even had hoped to raise money to assist in travel costs for the families several OSU football players including tailbacks Antonio Pittman and Chris Wells, as well as defensive end Lawrence Wilson and defensive back DeAngelo Haslam.

Pittman and Wells both attended the dinner which drew approximately 100 persons at a price of 8.00 per person, but when the intent of the dinner was learned, a phone call was placed to OSU offensive coordinator Jim Bollman as to the possible NCAA implications of the event. Bollman advised that both Pittman and Wells leave immediately, which they did, and that no money be accepted. The families of the players complied with that advice as well.

Since then there has been speculation as to whether the players involved may have eligibility issues for the upcoming BCS title game. The OSU department of athletics issued a statement today on that issue. That full statement is reproduced below.

Statement by the OSU Department of Athletics

Ohio State University Athletics Department officials said today no Big Ten or NCAA violations occurred during a spaghetti dinner Dec. 23 in Akron.

The dinner was intended to help cover travel costs for the families of Ohio State football players from the Akron area to the national championship game in Glendale, Ariz., on Jan. 8. It was organized by Dawn Stiggers-Ferguson, a friend of one of the families, and was put on without the knowledge of the Ohio State student-athletes or their families.

“We have thoroughly investigated this situation and feel confident that no rule violations occurred,” said Doug Archie, associate director of athletics for compliance. “We have talked to all the principles involved and are confident that the players and their families had no prior knowledge of the event. Additionally, no money was given to anyone associated with the Ohio State football program. Those are the litmus tests.”

Because the dinner has received so much attention in the media, Archie said he would submit his findings to the NCAA office. He emphasized this was being done to keep the NCAA informed and in no way was a self-report of a violation.

“My intent was to surprise and help a family friend,” said Stiggers-Ferguson. “At no time did I ask the young men (Ohio State players) to attend. The announcement in the paper was made at my request and without the players or parents knowledge.

“As it turned out, due to the costs of securing the facility and purchasing food and supplies, we did not make any money and are in the red.

“I would like to apologize to Ohio State, the fans, the players and their families for this unfortunate incident.”

Upon arriving at the dinner, the players realized that it was not permissible and contacted Ohio State assistant coach Jim Bollman who instructed them to leave the function. They and their families did so immediately.

“This is a tribute to our coaches and compliance staff and to our student-athletes,” said Gene Smith, Ohio State’s director of athletics. “Obviously, the coaches and compliance staff are doing a good job of educating our players, and our players are listening to what they are saying.”

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