5 Ohio State Buckeyes Suspended

Terrelle Pryor

Five players on Ohio State's football team, including star quarterback Terrelle Pryor, have been suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season, for their involvement in what is now being called "Tattoo-gate".  The NCAA came down with their ruling after learning that some Buckeye players had allegedly been exchanging autographs for free tattoos at a local Columbus tattoo parlor.  Additionally, there are reports they had sold championship rings, jerseys and awards from previous seasons, another NCAA no-no.

The NCAA said all the players are eligible January 4th when the Buckeyes face Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl.  Ohio State's first five games next season are against Akron, Toledo, Miami, Colorado and Michigan State.  The school plans to appeal the decision, hoping for a reduction in the games.  Although at least 3 of these games are probably still a win without Pryor, the controversy and lack of chemistry from playing together could seriously hurt the team's ranking next season.

To make things interesting, some are now speculating that Pryor may declare for the NFL draft this season rather than sit out next year, in fear that it would hurt his stock.  If he does, it would leave Ohio State without their most important playmaker, while NFL scouts rush to see him in the Sugar Bowl.