Ohio State football is hurting once again, this time as the team suspends three players from their season opening roster against Akron.
Running back Jordan Hall and defensive back Travis Howard, two of the teams starters have been suspended alongside Corey Brown, a backup safety with five tackles in seven games.
With Jordan Hall out of the game Ohio State loses their top ranked running back who had 37 carries for 169 carries and two touchdowns last season.
Howard is also a big part of the teams strategy, racking up 13 tackles and two interceptions in 10 games.
The men were suspended after they received impermissible benefits at a charity event they attended early in the year. According to school officials the players did not receive benefits worth more than $300.
Already missing the Akron game due to suspensions are running back Dan Herron, wide receiver DeVier Posye, offensive tackle Mike Adams and defensive end Solomon Thomas. Those players are all out for five games following a league investigation which eventually lead to the departure of quarterback Terrelle Pryor and head coach Jim Tressel .
Speaking about the new round of suspensions Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said:
“We take this matter seriously,” while adding, “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.”
Hall, Howard and Brown are only out for one game, making them eligible for play during their teams Sept. 10 showdown against Toledo.
