Pryor among five Ohio State players suspended next season

Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor and four other star Buckeyes must sit out the first five games of the 2011 season for accepting improper benefits. However, it was ruled that all can play in the Sugar Bowl against Arkansas on Jan. 4.

ICONShortened 2011 college season or 2011 NFL Draft?

The NCAA suspensions were announced Thursday shortly before Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith and head coach Jim Tressel were to meet with reporters to discuss the school’s investigation of players trading autographs for tattoos.

Pryor, running back Dan Herron, wide receiver DeVier Posey, offensive lineman Mike Adams and defensive end Solomon Thomas also must repay between $1,000 and $2,500 to charity.

Click here to read the full NCAA release on the suspensions.

And here are Ohio State's first five games in 2011:

Akron
Toledo
at Miami (FLA)
Colorado
Michigan State

Certainly, Pryor will reconsider his earlier stance that he would be coming back for his senior season.

Email dave.miller@nationalfootballpost.com or follow me on Twitter at Miller_Dave