PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) – On Wednesday, the NCAA defended itself after criticism surfaced from the their rulings involving five Ohio State players and Cam Newton of Auburn. The NCAA said they don’t play favorites or make decisions based on financial considerations.

In a statement posted on their website, the NCAA said “the notion that the NCAA is selective with its eligibility decisions and rules enforcement is another myth with no basis in fact.”

“Money is not a motivator or factor as to why one school would get a particular decision versus another. Any insinuation that revenue from bowl games in particular would influence NCAA decisions is absurd, because schools and conferences receive that revenue, not the NCAA.”

Now, the NCAA might have to rethink their statement after Sugar Bowl CEO Paul Hoolahan was quoted in the Columbus Dispatch on his role in moving back the suspension of five Ohio State players.

Hoolahan said,”I made the point that anything that could be done to preserve the integrity of this year’s game, we would greatly appreciate it. That appeal did not fall on deaf ears, and I’m extremely excited about it, that the Buckeyes are coming in at full strength and with no dilution.”

On Tuesday, the five players apologized to their teammates and the “Buckeye Nation.”