*The 26 suspended football players had to sit out 1-4 games, depending on their crimes. BUT, Wisconsin got to choose which games they missed. What do you think...Ohio State? Michigan? Nope, most of them missed the big rivalry games with Western Michigan and Northwestern. So, essentially, the school told them, "Gee, we're sorry you got caught but (wink, wink) we've got your back."
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I'm not a real Wisconsin fan but the NCAA dictated that the players sit one of the first 4 games played that season. Ohio State and Michigan not being in the first four games. Nice spin attempt though.
Alledgedly it was fairly common for the store owner to give 20% discounts to members of teams. Although when you see some of the Badger players had received over $500 in discounts, it's hard to believe the discount wasn't a bit larger for some.
That Shoebox scandal really grew beyond just the discounts the Wisconsin players received. Among those discounts given, many were given to players of dozens of local high schools which was in violation of the high school rules as well. The high school investigation became so widespread that it almost was impossible to lay down punishments without affecting the majority of players for entire conferences.