Ohio State president apologizes to Big Ten for remarks

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- The president of Ohio State University has apologized to the Big Ten conference for "hurtful remarks" he made last year about some university athletic programs.

In a statement Sunday, Gordon Gee says he apologized for his "misguided attempt at humor" before the university's Athletic Council in December. He says the Big Ten universities are "some of this country's most highly accomplished research institutions" and he's honored to lead a Big Ten school.

An Associated Press report last week revealed Gee said Notre Dame wasn't allowed to join the Big Ten because its leaders weren't good partners. He said its Roman Catholic priests were "holy hell" on days other than Sunday and joked "those damn Catholics" can't be trusted.

He also questioned the academic integrity of schools in the Southeastern Conference.