The NCAA has come down on a number of Ohio State players for receiving improper benefits. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor, running back Daniel "Boom" Herron, receiver DeVier Posey, offensive tackle Mike Adams and defensive lineman Solomon Thomas have all been suspended for the first 5 games of next season. Oddly though they're all eligible for the bowl game against Arkansas.
I'm not sure how that works. The NCAA said that playing in a bowl game is a "unique opportunity" that they hesitate to take away. I saw at about the same time that 3 West Virginia players will be missing their unique opportunity against NC State and 4 Georgia Tech players theirs against Air Force, due to academics. Those penalties weren't deferred until next season.
The sad thing is that the players sold awards and personal items in exchange for free or discounted tattoos. Pryor sold a sportsmanship trophy from the Fiesta Bowl a couple years ago, his Big Ten Championship ring, and his Golden Pants piece of jewelry that Ohio State gifts team members who beat Michigan.
To me those would be keepsakes that would be more valuable than money. Especially the Big Ten Championship ring and, as a Buckeye, the Golden Pants for beating Michigan. I'd imagine there will be some members of Buckeye Nation who will be indignant that their tradition was pawned away for a few more tats.
I'd have to think most of these guys are going to opt to enter the NFL draft since they'll miss half the season. Suddenly the shape of the Big Ten and the national picture is radically changed. Ohio State will play 5 games, 3 against decent teams and one Big Ten game against Michigan State, without its starting QB, leading rusher, second leading receiver and all-conference offensive lineman.
But man, I still can't get over just selling those items, even if the story that Ohio State hadn't adequately explained that they weren't allowed to resell the items they received. If I was a Michigan player and I received something to commemorate beating Notre Dame or Ohio State that would be one of my most prized possessions.
Maybe growing up in poverty made these guys do something they wouldn't otherwise consider. But this is something of a shock, having come out of the blue.
No comments:
Post a Comment