Ohio State's Jim Tressel: It's been 'a difficult past couple of months'

Speaking to the for the first time since he admitted to a major NCAA violation, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel apologized for his conduct Wednesday and admitted it has been "a difficult past couple of months."

Tressel said earlier this month he would accept a five-game suspension after failing to forward information about possible rules violations by two of his players and lying to the NCAA.

At the time, Tressel said he kept the allegations secret because of a federal investigation. A report later surfaced in The Columbus Dispatch that he did send the email to the mentor of quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who was one of the two players mentioned having received illegal benefits.

"The largest regrets I've had in my life have been when I've disappointed people, when I've let people down," Tressel said Wednesday. "The mistakes I've made are very disappointing. I'm sorry for that, as I've mentioned many times."

Tressel and an Ohio State spokesperson said the coach would take no questions regarding the NCAA investigation could be addressed.

It was announced at the press conference linebackers coach Luke Fickell would serve as Tressel's replacement during his suspension. The length of the penalty remains uncertain because the NCAA has not ruled in the case.

"It'll be difficult," Fickell said. "We have to know whose team it is. It's our team. It's the seniors' team."