Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State University and the Franklin County prosecutor’s office are investigating possible misspending on the travel expense reports of former Buckeyes football coach John Cooper, officials said.
"I can confirm that we have been reviewing (Cooper’s) more recent expense reports," Lee Tashjian, vice president of university relations, said last night.
Tashjian declined to specify the amount of money involved, but said the matter was turned over to Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien because it was more than $500.
"Under Ohio law, once an irregularity of the kind that surfaced here has been identified, no matter how large or small, we are required to bring it to the attention of the appropriate prosecutor," Tashjian said.
"In all fairness to coach Cooper, there might be an explanation for these irregularities. We certainly hope there are."
No charges have been filed.
Cooper, who was fired at the end of last season, could not be reached for comment last night. His wife, Helen, said Cooper knew nothing about the university’s investigation and would not be commenting.
Bill Meeks, Cooper’s attorney in Columbus, said his office is conducting its own investigation and is interviewing "everyone relevant" to the case, including Ohio State employees.
"I don’t know what this is yet," Meeks said. "We’re looking into the basis for this and how it came about. Coach Cooper’s position is that he’s done nothing wrong."
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