Ohio State's department of athletics released a statement addressing the brouhaha involving a Twitter user's interaction with numerous student-athletes.
Under the Twitter name @bdubstriviaguru, Charles Eric Waugh had become known for sending inspirational and motivational quotes to numerous student-athletes, coaches and athletic department personnel in recent months.
However, the university discovered in the past week that Waugh was listed on Kentucky's registry of sex offenders and sent out a warning to steer clear of interactions with him.
At the time, Ohio State sent out an email that read, as follows:
"The University has become aware that an individual who is listed on Kentucky's sex offender registry has recently been seen in pictures with our student-athletes. [A news article reported that he pleaded guilty to five counts of 'possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor' and noted that the images were all of boys younger than 16.]. The individual's name is Charles Eric Waugh. We have reason to believe that he has a Twitter account under the name: BdubsTriviaGuru. This account has sent tweets to student-athletes and coaches. We strongly recommend that you take the steps (see links below) to block his access to your Twitter and Facebook accounts. In addition, we've enclosed a photograph and a link to a news article regarding this individual.
"As a reminder, the individuals who you associate with on social networking sites (i.e., Twitter, Facebook) can have negative implications on your reputation and the University. Please remember to choose your 'social media friends' carefully!"
Both The Lantern, Ohio State's student newspaper, and OSU blog Land-Grant Holy Land detailed the situation more fully in recent articles, including recent pictures featuring Waugh with recruits.
With all that in mind, Ohio State, released a new statement Friday night clarifying its stance on Waugh and detailing its actions in the situation.
"The issue surrounding the individual from Kentucky is being treated by the Department of Athletics as a student-athlete welfare issue," it read. "When the University became aware that this individual had been seen in pictures – taken in public places – with student-athletes, proactive precautions were taken and the Department of Athletics alerted more than 1,000 Ohio State student-athletes about this person. The email message also reminded them of the negative implications that can be realized through simple associations on social networking sites. This individual is not associated with Ohio State. He is not a booster. He has not engaged in any activities on behalf of the University. The Department of Athletics will continue to monitor this issue and it will remain proactive in its efforts with regard to precautions for its student-athletes."
Stay tuned to BuckeyeSports.com for more on the situation as events merit.