From Yahoo Sports, RE: Santonio Holmes.

Ohio State has closed a brief investigation of alleged payments by an agent to former Buckeyes football player Santonio Holmes five years ago after consulting with the NCAA, which is not pursuing the matter.

Okay, that's fair, the NCAA isn't pursuing the matter, so I get it. Why tarnish your program with allegations of pay-for-play, which are well outside the NCAA's statute of limitations? I mean, the Ohio State Buckeyes investigated and everything.

Let's hear more about this investigation, and once and for all dispel any preconceived notions we may have that internal investigations can't be legit.  Especially at a wealthy football school. Take it away Yahoo.

"During an interview on Wednesday, Holmes stated he never received money or benefits from an agent," Ohio State said in a statement released Friday. "The institution [having contacted the NCAA] does not intend to investigate anything further related to the allegations."

But, surely Jim Tressel, bastion of, and torch-bearer for (alleged) Midwestern decency and forthrightness would probably be a little more concerned about the facts? Remember Holmes was getting paid at the football complex...under Tressel's watch, just five short years ago, when the Buckeyes were competing for National Titles?

Step up to the mic, Jim.

Coach Jim Tressel said Thursday that he was troubled by the report but was reassured by Holmes’ denial.

There you have it ladies and gentlemen.

People remain baffled how the systemic rot at USC came to be. Look no further than the above situation that played out at THE ohio state university, this week, in front of our eyes: When confronted with similar allegations to those that eventually hammered the Trojans, Tressel's response was to say "We asked him about cheating. He said no...good enough for me". Sound familiar? It should. It's the exact line offered by Mike Garrett and Pete Caroll.

Trojan defenders were right about one thing, though: cheating is going on all over the place. But, they are wrong about another thing, one they will never admit: cavalier, blase attitudes to cheating aren't just localized in Southern California. But, when you're a prick and a recalcitrant douchebag, perception dooms you just as much as the facts.

*P.S. I take full responsibility for this post having words and no pictures...more disturbing, there is not one reference to penises or breasts.

** One of the statements in these footnotes is a lie.

*** This footnote is a lie. (Discuss the logical consequences of this statement paired with the above preceding statement).