The tattoo parlor owner who purchased team memorabilia from quarterback Terrelle Pryor and other Ohio State football players was charged with drug trafficking and money laundering in federal court in Columbus, Ohio on Friday. The charges do not relate to Edward Rife's dealings with Pryor and four other players who are suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season for accepting benefits of up to $15,000. Rife will plead guilty to the charges and work with authorities. Media reports says drug trafficking netted cash that allowed him to launder money and purchase an Infinity QX56 for $21,500.
The federal investigation of Rife led to information regarding his dealings with the players. Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel also is suspended five games for knowing his players were involved with Rife and failing to report it for more than nine months. Tressel was informed via email by attorney Chris Cicero, a former OSU player, that two players had signed OSU memorabilia to Rife, who gave the players cash and free tattoos.