The effect of the NCAA’s suspension for five Ohio State Buckeyes’ players continues to fall out across the nation, as many are surprised by the college football betting decision that was made. Star quarterback Terrelle Pryor and five other Buckeyes will be suspended for five games following an incident involving the players involved accepting tattoo’s free of charge at a local parlor, which led to more discoveries upon further investigation. Adding to the controversy is the fact that the NCAA will not suspend its players for the upcoming Sugar Bowl, on the basis that they helped their team get to the big game and were not made aware of the rules by the school. Aside from Pryor, leading rusher Dan Herron, No. 2 wide receiver DeVier Posey, All-Big Ten offensive tackle Mike Adams, and defensive tackle Solomon Thomas must all sit out five games. The Buckeyes Violated Rules The five players involved were in clear violation of the NCAA rules for accepting any gift or service at a discounted price or free of charge based on their status with Ohio State. Accepting tattoos free of charge was the first mistake, but a deeper look in to their transgressions reveals even more that wasn’t known initially. The men involved also sold championship rings, jerseys, pants, and other memorabilia they collected over the past couple of seasons with the program, including a couple of particular sports betting items that Pryor sold, which have Buckeyes’ fans upset themselves. Pryor has sold a sportsmanship award from the 2008 Fiesta Bowl, his 2008 Big Ten championship ring, and most notably, a “gold pants” trinket that is an icon for the school, and given to every player that is a part of the school’s win over the rival Michigan Wolverines. The Problem With The NCAA While the violations are clears as they are strictly prohibited by the NCAA, the ruling of the governing body is surprising in itself. The same group that punished USC because their players accepted bribes and gifts in order to go the school, and suspended Georgia’s AJ Green for selling his football betting jersey earlier in the season, is now allowing the five players involved in this situation to play in the Sugar Bowl. The move has been met with wide skepticism that the NCAA is working in accordance with its own interests, and that the reason they are allowing the players to finish the season is because of the revenue they will lose if they don’t. How Ohio State Has Reacted While Pryor’s only comment on the situation happened to come out via twitter in a quick sportsbook bonus message that stated, “I paid for my tattoos. Go Bucks”, the school got more involved with athletic director Gene Smith saying that they would appeal the situation for a lesser sentence, particularly due to the fact that the tough economic times have made it harder for the players to pay for the things they needed to. Bad on the NCAA for their choice, but it will be even more difficult for Smith and company to defend the fact that tattoos are a necessity during tough economic times.
