Sometimes the best of intentions can go awry. You have to figure at the very least had an Ohio State coach not intervened and got his players out of this situation, it could have been a huge distraction with the NCAA declaring the players ineligible, the public and families being indignant, the families having to give back money, possibly scuttle their plans, etc.
"She said the initial premise of the dinner was to raise money to send the families of the four players from Akron on the Ohio State team to watch the Buckeyes play Florida in the BCS Championship Game in Tempe, Ariz., on Jan. 8." cheatin bastards...... Anyway.....this may be illegal by NCAA standards but what or whom does it hurt? BFD.....
How would you like to be a compliance officer on the staff of a large D1 school......Good God. It's a non-stop 24/7 affair. Educating staff, administrators, players, parents, boosters, etc, etc etc. responding to requests for players, coaches, cheerleaders....God Bless 'em!
I guess there's some underlying reason that this constitutes a violation, but it kind of beats me. Also I don't think the NCAA typically suspends anyone for this type violation. I sincerely hope nothing comes of it!
Be careful. I would not give the NCAA any credit for being reasonable. They may give OSU a pass but it will be for reasons other than reasonability!