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(AP) -- Bob Knight has criticized the NCAA rule Ohio State football players broke when they sold and traded their personal memorabilia.

The former Indiana and Texas Tech basketball coach spoke to reporters before the Henry P. Iba Citizen Athlete Awards ceremony, where he was scheduled to deliver the keynote address.

Knight says he understands a rule was violated, "But it was an idiotic rule."

Five Ohio State players, including star quarterback Terrelle Pryor, were suspended for the first five games of the upcoming season after it was revealed they traded jerseys, rings, trophies and other items for tattoos.

Knight also said the NCAA "is so far out of touch with the integrity of the sport that it's just amazing."

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