OSU president laments scandal headlines

January 11, 2012 at 5:02p.m.

COLUMBUS (AP) — The president of Ohio State University calls the attention generated by football team scandals a monumental shame for overshadowing the university’s accomplishments.

Gordon Gee says it’s an unjust proposition that the ingenuity of so many has been subordinated to the impropriety of a few.

Gee said today in a speech in downtown Columbus that the scandal has masked a remarkable year at the school.

The NCAA said last month that the Ohio State football team and new coach Urban Meyer will be banned from a bowl game after next season.

The university also forfeited its 2010 season, including a Sugar Bowl win.

The punishment followed a scandal in which players sold football memorabilia or traded them for tattoos.