Here's the good news for Ohio State: none of the players involved in the NCAA violations the school was investigating will be suspended for the Sugar Bowl. The bad news is that Ohio State's chances at getting back to a BCS bowl in 2011 took quite a hit on Thursday, as according to an NCAA release, five players have been suspended for five games in 2011.
Including quarterback Terrelle Pryor. The other four players suspended are RB Dan Herron, WR DeVier Posey, OT Mike Adams and DE Solomon Thomas.
The reports first surfaced earlier this week saying that the players had received free tattoos in exchange for autographs, but it seems the players went a bit further than that. They did pay for the tattoos, it's just they apparently sold trophies and rings to get them. According to the release, Pryor has to repay $2,500 for selling his 2008 Big Ten championship ring, his 2009 Fiesta Bowl sportsmanship award and 2008 gold pants.
Dan Herron must pay back $1,150 for selling his jersey, pants and shoes for $1,000 and receiving $150 in "discounted services." Posey owes $1,250 for selling his 2008 Big Ten ring for $1,200 and another $50 for those "discounted services."
All the payments will be made to charities.
“We were not as explicit with our student-athlete education as we should have been in the 2007-08 and 2008-09 academic years regarding the sale of apparel, awards and gifts issued by the athletics department,” said athletic director Gene Smith in the release. “We began to significantly improve our education in November of 2009 to address these issues. After going through this experience, we will further enhance our education for all our student-athletes as we move forward.”
Another player, Jordan Whiting, was also suspended next season, but only for a game and he must repay $150 to charity.
