<font face="verdana" size="1" color =#CC0000><b>* New * </b></font> OSU investigates QB Smith for possible rules violation

7/20/2005

COLUMBUS Ohio State is investigating whether quarterback Troy Smith broke another NCAA rule when he attended a football camp sponsored by Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair this summer.

Athletic department spokesman Steve Snapp said today that the school s compliance office is investigating Smith s attendance at the camp. Snapp would not say if Smith violated any rule.

NCAA rules allow players to attend educational or charitable activities as long as they don t miss class and have written permission from the school s athletic director.

The rules also prohibit players from lending their names or images to commercial products that appear on promotional materials for these events, and any money from these appearances must go to the educational or charitable agency.

Last year, Ohio State suspended Smith from the Alamo Bowl for accepting about $500 from a team booster. The NCAA also suspended him for the Alamo Bowl along with the 2005 season opener against Miami of Ohio.

Smith s status for the rest of the upcoming season hasn t changed, Snapp said.

A message seeking comment was left with the NCAA.

Contacted by phone at her Cleveland house, Smith s mother, Tracy Smith, would not comment.

Read more in later editions of The Blade and toledoblade.com.