he N.C.A.A. on Thursday suspended five Ohio State players, including quarterback Terrelle Pryor and three other starters, for five games next season for accepting improper benefits. They are, however, eligible to play in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 4, when the Buckeyes will face Arkansas.
The violations included selling memorabilia like Big Ten championship rings and accepting discounted prices from the owner of a tattoo parlor in Columbus, Ohio.
“These are significant penalties based on findings and information provided by the university,” said Kevin Lennon, the N.C.A.A. vice president of academic and membership affairs.
While Ohio State will appeal the length of the suspensions, the news was a serious blow to one of college football’s premiere programs. Pryor, who came to Ohio State as one of the most celebrated high school football recruits in recent memory, is the biggest star on campus and would have been a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy next season.
Read More: Ohio State Players, Including Pryor, Suspended for Five Games
