Tressel speaks in Sylvania

Ohio State coach Jim Tressel

Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel briefly addressed his current troubles with the NCAA Monday afternoon while speaking in front of the Ohio State Alumni Club of Lucas County during a reception held at Sylvania Country Club.

It was announced last week Tressel will be suspended for the first two games of the 2011 season because he was not forthcoming about NCAA violations committed by some of his players.

Tressel's penalties could become harsher if the NCAA chooses to go that direction. On Monday, Tressel apologized for drawing negative attention to the university. "We're going to grow from this," Tressel said. Tressel did not field questions from the assembled media before he left abruptly to attend a function at the Toledo Children's Hospital.

Earlier on Monday, Tressel apologized for his actions while speaking at a luncheon in Canton sponsored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "I also apologize because I'm going to have some sanctions. But the mission doesn't change. That's the pledge I have to you. The mission I've always had is we make sure we help young people change their lives."