Big big huge news out of Columbus today. Terrelle Pryor and four other Buckeye players are facing major suspensions for violating NCAA rules regarding improper benefits.
INDIANAPOLIS - Five football student-athletes from The Ohio State University must sit out the first five games of the 2011 season for selling awards, gifts and university apparel and receiving improper benefits in 2009, the NCAA has determined.
A sixth football student-athlete must sit out the first game in 2011 for receiving discounted services in violation of NCAA rules.
The violations fall under the NCAA’s preferential treatment bylaws.
In addition to missing five games next season, student-athletes Mike Adams, Dan Herron, DeVier Posey, Terrelle Pryor and Solomon Thomas must repay money and benefits ranging in value from $1,000 to $2,500. The repayments must be made to a charity.
Student-athlete Jordan Whiting must sit out the first game next year and pay $150 to a charity for the value of services that were discounted because of his status as a student-athlete.
The story goes on to say all six players will be eligible to play on the Sugar Bowl for reasons I don't really get, but whatever.
Though all of these players will be eligible again in time for when Penn State rolls into Columbus, one has to think this will push a few of them to enter the NFL draft rather than pay back that money and sit out half of a season.
Discuss.