NCAA suspends Pryor, 4 others at Ohio State
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Five Ohio State University football players -- including quarterback Terrelle Pryor, a Jeannette High School graduate -- have been suspended for the first five games next season for selling awards and receiving improper benefits in 2009, the NCAA announced Thursday.
Mr. Pryor, wide receiver DeVier Posey, offensive lineman Mike Adams, running back Dan Herron and defensive lineman Solomon Thomas must pay to a charity the money they received for selling Big Ten championship rings and other school paraphernalia. Linebacker Jordan Whiting will miss one game for receiving improper benefits. The actions violated the National Collegiate Athletic Association's preferential treatment bylaws.
The NCAA did not say what improper benefits the players received. The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch reported that the players gave signed memorabilia to a Columbus tattoo parlor in exchange for discounts.
The No. 6-ranked Buckeyes went 11-1 this season and earned a trip to the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 4 against No. 8 Arkansas in New Orleans. Mr. Herron was the team's leading rusher with 1,068 yards and 15 touchdowns, and Mr. Posey had 778 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Mr. Pryor had 2,551 passing yards and threw 25 touchdown passes.
The loss of three key offensive weapons could hinder the Buckeyes' chances at making a BCS bowl next season, something they have done in six consecutive years. It could also cost Mr. Pryor experience necessary to improve his draft stock in the eyes of Nation Football League scouts.
The players could still play up to nine games next year: seven remaining regular-season games, the new Big Ten championship game, if Ohio State qualifies, and a bowl game.
Mr. Pryor led Jeannette to a Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class AA championship in 2007 and a loss in the PIAA Class AA title game in 2006. Jeannette won Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League Class AA titles in 2006 and '07.
First Published December 24, 2010 12:00 am
