August 19, 2011
Terrelle Pryor was declared eligible for supplemental draft
The bottom line is that everyone involved in the game, with the sole exception of the players (the student athletes, as the NCAA calls them) are the only ones not making a dime and playing for love (and a free education, of course).
By Stephen Lars
The ex-Ohio State quarterback would be eligible for the 2011 supplemental draft that will take place Monday August 22. If chosen by a team, Pryor could play in the preseason games but will not be able to get in uniform for a game or even train during practice during the first five weeks of the NFL regular season. Terrelle Pryor would be allowed into the team’s facilities but only to attend reunions, meetings and to work one-on-one with coaches, but not practice with the rest of his teammates.
As a freshman, Pryor led Ohio State to an 8-1 record as a starter and was the Big Ten freshman of the year.
Pryor was quite an asset. He was regarded as the nation's top quarterback recruit coming out of high school, and just to live up to his expectations, he had three terrific seasons for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Pryor broke many records including his title for holding the school’s record for career-leading rusher among quarterbacks; he also tied a school mark with 57 touchdown passes.
As a freshman, Pryor led Ohio State to an 8-1 record as a starter and was the Big Ten freshman of the year. He kept on with his good rhythm and the following season he led the Buckeyes to the Big Ten and a victory in the Rose Bowl, in which he was named the game's MVP after beating Oregon 26-17. As a junior, Pryor had his best season statistically, throwing for 2,772 yards and 27 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. He also ran for 754 yards and four scores while helping the Buckeyes to a 31-26 victory over Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl.
The rest is a fairly well known story. Terrell Pryor had received some improper benefits. It seems that the owner of a tattoo parlor had offer him free tattoos in exchange for some memorabilia. The whole thing ultimately cost Jim Tressel his multimillion-dollar job as head of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team. The schools investigation showed the Tressel had knowledge of the situation and he had concealed this to the school’s officials. It seems that for over 10 months Tressel had been keeping information to the school.
This once again takes me back to the question of amateurism. There is a very strong sense of hypocrisy behind the whole NCAA effort to keep things amateur. And yet that bottom line is that everyone involved in the game, with the keen and sole exception of the players (the student athletes, as they are called) are the only ones not making a dime and playing for love (and a free education, of course). But still. It’s a thin slice of the pie.
Let’s consider the coaches for a second. Texas coach Mack Brown, for instance, makes around $5 million, while Alabama coach Nick Saban earns $4.7 million. That is a lot of scholarships if you ask me. But hey, on the other hand, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and star QB Terrelle Pryor both left the school this spring in the wake of revelations that Pryor and other players sold memorabilia for cash and tattoos. Tressel was only trying to cover up for his players. He got fired anyway. Perhaps he felt a little guilty that he was picking up a 7 figure salary while his players weren’t making anything but a free education, hence the double standard, and why at one point or another, players could start getting a little extra love.
About the Author
Stephen Lars is a prominent sports blogger and currently covers the Sports news, previews and handicaps for the BetIAS Sportsbook. You may reprint this article in its full content, please note no modifications to it are accepted.