Former Ohio State president Gordon Gee on Tattoogate: 'I think everyone won'

(L-R) Gordon Gee, Jim Tressel and AD Gene Smith face questions about NCAA violations. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

Former Ohio State president Gordon Gee has perhaps a unique take on the infamous "Tattoogate," which led the school to forfeit victories and to the resignation of coach Jim Tressel.

The NCAA hit Ohio State with a one-year bowl ban and additional penalties when numerous football players received $14,000 in cash and tattoos in exchange for rings, jerseys and other memorabilia.

"I think everyone won," Gee said to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. "The university is doing very well. I believe we have the best football coach in the country in Urban Meyer. I had the privilege of hiring him, as you know, and I think he is doing fabulous work."

"I think Jim went through the refiner's fire and came out the other end not only intact but I think gracefully and he managed a very difficult situation. And I think he is going to be doing what he really wants to do, which is to lead and lead in a different way from leading a football team.

Gee is now the president of West Virginia, Tressel was recently named the president of Youngstown State, and the Urban Meyer-led Buckeyes are expected to compete for a Big Ten title this season.

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