By Denise Yost & Associated Press
Published: June 13, 2011
Updated: June 13, 2011 - 11:58 AM
The attorney who was at the center of the Ohio State scandal that eventually led to the resignation of head coach Jim Tressel is now facing charges of misconduct.
NBC4 has learned that Chris Cicero is charged with violating the Professional Rules of Conduct that govern Ohio attorneys. Specifically, he is accused of violating attorney-client privilege.
Cicero emailed Tressel in April 2010, saying that at least two current Buckeye players had sold signed OSU memorabilia to Edward Rife, who ran a local tattoo parlor. Cicero also said the players had received free tattoos.
An attorney who has discussions with a prospective client cannot reveal any information learned in the consultation. It is alleged that Cicero violated that rule by sending emails to Tressel, telling him of information learned from Rife during a consultation.
The Board of �Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline has filed a complaint against Cicero.
Cicero, who was a former Ohio State walk-on and letterman in the 1980s, has 20 days in which to respond. He will face a hearing in front of a panel during which he will have the opportunity to defend himself. The panel has not yet been appointed.
The panel will then make a recommendation to the Ohio Supreme Court who will decide if he loses his license.
The NCAA has been investigating reports about Ohio State players selling or trading memorabilia for cash and tattoos.
The NCAA has been investigating reports about Ohio State players selling or trading memorabilia for cash and tattoos.
As a result of the investigation, in December, Ohio State announced five-game suspensions for Terrelle Pryor, Devier Posey and four other football Buckeyes for selling OSU memorabilia to Rife.�
Tressel told Ohio State he was unaware of the memorabilia dealing, but the emails showed that Cicero tipped off Tressel months before the players were suspended.
Tressel promised to handle the matter but did not report the information to the compliance office.
Tressel also failed to report it on an NCAA compliance form in Sept. 2010.
At first, Ohio State appeared to stand behind the coach, announcing he would miss the first two games of the season and pay a hefty fine.
Tressel later resigned on May 31, 2011 amid the ongoing NCAA investigation.
Ohio State and Tressel are to go before the NCAA Committee on Infractions in an Aug. 12 hearing in Indianapolis, Ind. �
The NCAA is accusing Tressel of lying to hide violations by players who traded memorabilia for cash and tattoos.
In its report to OSU last month, the NCAA�claimed Tressel "failed to (comport) himself in accordance with ... honesty and integrity."�
The August hearing will determine the punishment the program will face.
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Source: http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2011/jun/13/7/attorney-who-tipped-tressel-face-charges-ar-537370/
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