Cleveland Plain Dealer: JT, OSU warned about Talbott in 2007
In a March 21, 2007 email to Tressel, which was provided to the Plain Dealer, a source gave the following warning about the alleged online activities of Talbott, a Columbus-based freelance photographer who also is involved in memorabilia sales:
"He has sold over 50 items with underclassmen signatures before their eligibility expires and would seem to be someone that both you and the university is aware of. I have a full report of his eBay activities if you would like to explore further or require documentation."
The email was sent to the account [email protected]. That is the same address that Columbus attorney Chris Cicero used to email Tressel in April of 2010 about OSU players selling memorabilia, an email that Tressel did not disclose to his bosses, an NCAA violation that eventually led to his May 30 resignation.
http://www.cleveland.com/osu/index.ssf/2011/06/ohio_state_football_prog…
One thing to consider is that with USC, they had issues with their basketball team, so the NCAA was a bit rougher. So far, it's only limited to football with OSU.
Who is this Talbott guy everyone is talking about lately?
Freelance photographer who has been paying TP and other players for memorabilia and autographed game worn equipment. Here is some background:
http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/guy-paying-pryor-hides-buckeye-memorabili…
http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/does-dennis-talbott-work-les-wexner-osu-tru…
Talbott closed out his ebay account a few days ago. SportsbyBrooks had some pictures posted from Talbotts ebay account with current and past Buckeye football / basketball player signatures. He also had a football signed by Braxton miller The bucks freshman QB lol. I got my popcorn
but Braxton Miller does have an awful huge OSU tat on one of his arms
You mean *that* tattoo?
Well, I'm glad Braxton doesn't like bowl games.
I would enjoy all the schadenfreude if Braxton Miller were implicated with Talbott, but just because there is an autograph on eBay doesn't mean he was paid. Have you seen the amount of DRob autographed stuff one can get online?
I can't imagine the death penalty ever being used again. With the kind of money generated today the NCAA would face legal battles that threaten their system of rules.
Out side of the original e-mail from Cicero, this is the most damaging evidence that has come out. I would think that vacating the last 4 seasons is now a very real possibility.