The question of whether Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor will enter the NFL draft has suddenly gotten a lot clearer.
As explained by John Taylor of CFT, Pryor has been suspended the first five games of the 2011 season for receiving impermissible benefits.
Apparently, Pryor had decided to get into the memorabilia business, selling his 2008 Big Ten title ring, a 2009 Fiesta Bowl championship sportsmanship award, and his 2008 gold pants, which had been a gift from the school.
He must repay $2,500 as a result of those transactions.
Other players have been suspended for varying numbers of games. All players will be available for the Sugar Bowl, a move that the NCAA has justified by concluding that the players didn’t receive adequate rules education.
The possibility of the Sugar Bowl not attracting a desirable television rating surely had nothing to do with that specific aspect of the ruling.
As to Pryor, a move to the NFL could result in Pryor missing games next year due to a lockout. But with a guarantee that he’ll miss at least five at Ohio State, he might as well jump.