Times wires
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Terrelle Pryor's career at Ohio State came to an abrupt and scandal-ridden end.
The quarterback announced through his attorney Tuesday that he would not play for the Buckeyes this season. He had already been suspended for the first five games for breaking NCAA rules by accepting improper benefits from the owner of a tattoo parlor.
"In the best interests of my teammates, I've made the decision to forgo my senior year of football at The Ohio State University," Pryor said in a statement issued by Columbus lawyer Larry James.
Pryor, who likely will make himself available for an NFL supplemental draft, is not considered a ready-for-the-NFL quarterback. He might better project as a receiver.
Pryor's announcement comes eight days after coach Jim Tressel was forced to resign for knowing about players' improper benefits but not telling his superiors.
Pryor came to Ohio State on March 19, 2008, from Jeannette, Pa., as the most acclaimed high school quarterback prospect in the country. He was 3-0 against archrival Michigan, led victories in the Rose and Sugar bowls, was 31-4 as a starter, rushed for a school-record for a quarterback 2,164 yards and passed for 6,177 yards.
But there were other moments that kept him from becoming a fan favorite.
After Wisconsin beat the Buckeyes in October, their only loss last season, Pryor said Ohio State could beat the Badgers nine out of 10 times.
He has called former Ohio State quarterback and current ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit "a fake Buckeye" for questioning Pryor's emotional sideline behavior.
The Buckeyes' most experienced quarterback is fifth-year senior Joe Bauserman, with Kenny Guiton, Taylor Graham and talented freshman Braxton Miller also competing.