Five Ohio State Players Suspended for Five Games in 2011

The NCAA has made an announcement that five Ohio State players will not be eligible for the first five games of 2011 due to violations. Terrelle Pryor along with Mike Adams, Daniel Herron, DeVier Posey, and Solomon Thomas were found to have sold awards and been given improper benefits. Jordan Whitening will not be eligible for the first game of the season. All players will be able to finish the 2010 season against Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl.

By Steve Patterson

The violations occurred in 2009 and the players will be required to make donations to charities to offset the funds they received by selling their team awards, gifts and apparel. Gene Smith, Ohio State Athletic Director, said that they plan to appeal the decision as the violations do not warrant the severe five game penalty.

Four of the five players are current starters so the suspensions could cause the team to lose a number of early games next season and not be eligible for a major bowl at the conclusion of 2011. The suspension might also give incentive to the players to leave early if their draft position in the upcoming NFL draft is considered to be worthwhile.

Pryor must repay $2,500, Herron must repay $1,150, Posey is required to repay $1,250 while Adams received $1,000 for selling his 2008 Big Ten championship ring and Thomas will need to repay $1,505. Jordan Whitening will need to donate $150 to charity for receiving a discount on services.

The University took much of the blame for the violations stating that their education program was lacking prior to the 2010 season.