Terrelle Pryor, Suspended Teammates Will Return to Play for Ohio State in 2011
The five Ohio State football players who were suspended for receiving impermissible gifts have come through on their promise to continue their education and remain Buckeyes for another season. They have proven to be men of their word.
According to NBC Sports, head coach Jim Tressel told the Columbia Dispatch, "Our kids want to finish their degree and their commitment at Ohio State."
There was some controversy surrounding Tressel in late December when he made the decision to let the five men play in the Sugar Bowl. In exchange, the players pledged to remain at Ohio State and avoid early entry into the NFL draft. The Buckeyes won that game over Arkansas.
The five returning players are quarterback Terrelle Pryor, wide receiver DeVier Posey, running back Boom Herron, offensive tackle Mike Adams and defensive end Solomon Thomas. In early January, Pryor, the Sugar Bowl's offensive MVP, reassured the public that he would return for his senior year. However, he made it clear he was speaking on his behalf alone, hinting that the remaining four may not be so certain.
"Some guys have different situations," he explained. "And I think some guys pledged and some guys, you know, we were just basically saying sorry."
Pryor's inclination was wrong, and the Buckeyes now have five strong players returning for next season. Pryor, Posey, Herron and Adams were all starters in 2010.
