Oregon Ducks

[corgifan]

Why did Oregon barely get a slap on the hand by the NCAA while Ohio State and USC got hammered for violations?

[CenTexDave]

It was different violations.
For Oregon it was recruiting. Plus their coach is now gone to the NFL.
USC roadblocked the NCAA's entire investigation into Reggie Bush receiving benefits. Bush did not cooperate, refused to be interviewed, and USC's Athletic Director continually "beat around the Bush". :))
Ohio State they nailed for lack of institutional control, although it was more of their head coach knowing about those players trading their own items such as championship rings and jersey for tattoos, then lied about it.
Oregon got off light.