The NCAA is now coming out swinging  against Ohio State and coach Jim Tressel. In a new 13-page indictment, the NCAA accused Tressel of withholding information and lying to keep his players on the field.

Tressel decided not to immediately share information with the OSU compliance department when he became aware that some of his players were trading jerseys, helmets, and Big 10 Championship rings for free tattoos at a local Columbus Tattoo parlor.

The Columbus Dispatch is reporting today that Ohio State could be facing the most severe punishment their football program has ever seen.

In the indictment, it stated

Tressel had “permitted football student-athletes to participate in intercollegiate athletics while ineligible.” It also said he “failed to deport himself … [with] honesty and integrity” and said he was lying when he filled out a compliance form in September which said he had no knowledge of any NCAA violations by any of his players.

The University responded to the new accusations with this statement,

“The allegations are largely consistent with what the university self-reported to the NCAA on March 8. … The university will continue to work cooperatively with the NCAA during the response phase to the NCAA that now begins, and will have no further comment until the process is completed.”

OSU has already given Tressel a five game suspension and a hefty fine of $250,000. The only thing the University can hope for at this point is that the NCAA accepts their self-imposed punishment.

If not, things do not look real positive for Tressel and the Buckeyes.

Buckeye Athletic Director Gene Smith said he would have no comment until the case has been solved.