Joe Malmisur YSU athletic director 1983-1994

Joe Malmisur YSU athletic director 1983-1994

In 1994, an anonymous letter was sent to the NCAA outlining three allegations of violations of NCAA regulations in the YSU football program. One of the allegations named Isaac specifically as having access to an automobile. Malmisur was asked to describe the process that he used to review the allegations made in 1994. He indicated that he met informally with the Head Football Coach (Tressel) and the Compliance Officer (Saternow). He held no interviews with players, other coaches, Isaac or Monus. His description of the 1994 review process would indicate that there was no in-depth review or investigation into this matter. Malmisur believed that a disgruntled employee who had been terminated from employment in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics wrote the anonymous letter.

Ken Conatser YSU assistant coach 1986-2001

When questioned about Isaac’s possession of a car, Conatser speculated that he may have bought the car. (NOTE: The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles indicated that from 1988 to 1991, there were no automobiles registered in Isaac’s name. In addition, Isaac’s driver’s license was suspended.) When Conatser was asked if he had any knowledge of Isaac receiving money or an automobile from Monus, he indicated that he did not know.

Jim Tressel YSU coach, 1986-2000

(First interview): When asked about his relationship with Isaac, Tressel gave an extended explanation describing Isaac’s background and his problems. He indicated that he would contine to work with and help Isaac. When asked if he knew about Isaac’s relationship with Monus, Tressel stated that he did not know of the relationship — that YSU football players did work summer jobs at both Phar-Mor and its distribution company, Tamco. Tressel also stated that he did not know that Isaac was receiving money of cars from Monus.

(Second interview): During his second interview, Tressel indicated that he had a very scanty relationship with Monus. He stated that he went to Monus’ house once, went golfing with him once, and that Monus had provided his plane for a recruiting trip on one occasion simply because Monus was flying to the same destination as the recruiting trip. He indicated that Monus did provide a weight room in the Phar-Mor facility which the athletes were able to use.

Tressel did not recall introducing Isaac to Monus. However, he did indicate that it was possible that they were in attendance at a Youngstown Pride game and that he may have simply introduced Isaac to Monus as a matter of courtesy. Tressel stated that in an introduction such as this would certainly not be unique as would introduce any of his players to members of the Board of Trustees if such occasions arose.

Ray Isaac YSU quarterback 1988-1991

Issac stated that he and Tressel (YSU Head Football Coach) were in attendance at a Youngstown Pride basketball game and that Coach Tressel introduced him to Monus. Isaac indicated that Coach Tressel was encouraging him to study harder in order to raise his grades, and that Monus could be a source of encouragement for him, as well, since Monus was such an important individual both within the University and the community.

Isaac stated that no one at the University knew that any of this was going on — no one knew he was receiving money or the use of automobile(s). He stated, “Me and Monus knew that if it got out, we would be in violation of NCAA. No one else knew of this. Everything went through my mother.” Isaac expressed his concern about all of this information coming out. He was worried about what would happen to the University, the football coaches, and his teammates.