The natural reaction would be for school officials to swiftly distance themselves from the coach if they believe there’s a possibility the charge will stick. But that reaction can be expensive, as administrators have learned since former Ohio State Coach Jim O’Brien won a wrongful termination suit against the school in 2006.

O’Brien revealed to then-Athletic Director Andy Geiger in April 2004 that he made a payment on compassionate grounds to a relative of a signed recruit from Yugoslavia. Without any prior discussion, the school terminated the coach that June before the NCAA launched a formal investigation. O’Brien sued the school and won a settlement of $2.4 million. Ohio State appealed the decision to the Ohio Court of Appeals and the Ohio Supreme Court.