The ever-changing intentions of the Terrelle Pryor camp to appeal his five-game suspension seem to have solidified. The appeal has been filed, and it will be pursued.
For now.
Albert Breer of NFL Network reports that Pryor recently received an update on the appeal, which was filed on August 25, 2011 (and again on August 31). Though Pryor has the ability to end the appeal at any time, Pryor has yet to do so.
The next step in the process will be for Commissioner Roger Goodell to schedule a hearing date.
Breer reiterates that the appeal currently is being driven by veteran players and agents, who believe that the NFL has decided to help the NCAA with the enforcement of its rules and regulations. Monday’s decision by the Colts (surely made in conjunction with the league office) to delay the commencement of former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel’s employment by six games serves only to bolster the impression that the league has decided to provide a less certain escape route for coaches and players who run afoul of the expectations of the NCAA.