Terrelle Pryor created a stir Thursday when he returned to his hometown of Jeannette. But it was his actions off the field that sparked the most interest.
The NCAA yesterday suspended Pryor, the Ohio State quarterback and former Jeannette star, and four of his teammates for the first five games of the 2011 season for selling championship rings, jerseys and awards. The players also are accused of receiving improper benefits — from up to two years ago — from a tattoo parlor.
The players are permitted to play against No. 8 Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 4. Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said the university would appeal in hopes of reducing the penalty.
Pryor told the Tribune-Review he could not discuss the suspension. He posted on Twitter on Wednesday night that he paid for his tattoos.
Pryor's father, Craig, also declined comment, saying he didn't know the extent of the situation.
Besides Pryor, those suspended were receiver DeVier Posey, offensive lineman Mike Adams, running back Daniel Herron and backup defensive end Solomon Thomas.
A sixth player, freshman linebacker Jordan Whiting, must sit out the first game next season.
Pryor is accused of selling a sportsmanship award from the 2009 Fiesta Bowl and his 2008 Big Ten championship ring. He also sold a "gold pants" trinket — an iconic charm given to players who are a part of a victory over archrival Michigan. Pryor must repay $2,500 to charity.
The NCAA ordered the other players to pay about $1,000 to $1,500 — the value of the items they sold or discounts they received — to charity. Whiting must pay $150 to a charity for discounted tattoo services.
Selling awards, gifts and university apparel and receiving improper benefits are violations of the NCAA's preferential treatment bylaws.
Smith acknowledged that sanctions should be rendered but still defended the players.
"The time this occurred with these young men was a very tough time in our society," he said. "It's one of the toughest economic environments in our history."
The NCAA did not suspend the players for the Sugar Bowl because the "student-athletes did not receive adequate rules education during the time period the violations occurred."
Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice president of academic and membership affairs, said a game was added to the usual four-game penalty "because these student-athletes did not immediately disclose the violations."
Ohio State coach Jim Tressel shouldered the blame.
"We as coaches feel the buck stops here," he said. "We're the ones who need to make things even more crystal clear."
ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, a former Ohio State quarterback, ripped Pryor on ESPN radio, calling the players involved selfish.
But Pryor's former high school coach, Ray Reitz, said Herbstreit has it wrong.
"Terrelle is a good kid," said Reitz, now the coach at Latrobe. "He just got caught up the situation."
Pryor told people during the season that he planned to return to Ohio State for his senior season. But there is speculation that he might reconsider.
Mike Mayock, a draft analyst for the NFL Network, said the suspension likely would have little impact on Pryor's draft value.
"It's not an off-the-field issue such as drugs or something like that," he said. "I don't think it will affect him a whole lot. It's just a matter of what people think of him as a quarterback."
