All five are eligible to play in the Sugar Bowl against Arkansas on Jan. 4, but must repay between $1,000 and $2,500 to charity. Thomas must repay $1,505.
OSU plans to appeal the sanctions.
“I texted him this morning and he texted me back, but I have not had a chance to talk with him,” Lakota West football coach Larry Cox said Thursday evening. “I told him I’ll always have his back. Once a Firebird, always a Firebird.
“He and I have always had a good relationship,” he continued. “For me to comment without knowing his involvement would just be conjecture. It’s just one of those things where whether he decides to share with me or not, I’ll always be his coach and be there if he needs me.”
Thomas, who could not be reached for comment, has recorded 14 tackles in 11 games this season in a backup role. The 6-foot-5, 255-pounder has played a reserve role for the Buckeyes the last three seasons after redshirting in 2007.
“This (2011) was going to be a big year for him because he waited to so long to get that shot,” Cox said. “This was his time to shine, but it’s just one of those things where we’ll wait and see how it all plays out.
“What I do know is if Solly did something wrong, he’ll own up to it,” he continued. “He’s a stand-up guy and he’ll deal with the consequences. He won’t run away from it. He’ll find his way through this.”
At Lakota West, Thomas was a first-team, All-Southwest Ohio as a senior. He recorded 58 tackles that season, including 13 for a loss and seven sacks. Thomas was a team captain as a junior and senior at West.
About the Author