NCAA suspends Ohio State's Pryor, teammates

COLUMBUS, Ohio - What started out as a trip to a Columbus tattoo parlor by a couple of football players has created all sorts of mayhem for star quarterback Terrelle Pryor and Ohio State.

The NCAA suspended Pryor and four teammates Thursday for the first five games of next season for selling championship rings, jerseys and awards. They also received improper benefits from the tattoo parlor. "As a student-athlete, you're not allowed to use your persona to get discounted services," athletic director Gene Smith said.

The NCAA said all can play in the Sugar Bowl against Arkansas on Jan. 4. Ohio State's first five games next season are against Akron, Toledo, Miami, Colorado and Michigan State. Ohio State plans to appeal, hoping the number of games might be reduced.

Along with Pryor, leading rusher Daniel "Boom" Herron, wide receiver DeVier Posey, All-Big Ten offensive tackle Mike Adams and backup defensive end Solomon Thomas must sit out the five games and donate $1,000 to $2,500 - the value of the things they sold or the discounts they received - to charity. A sixth player, freshman linebacker Jordan Whiting, must sit out the first game of the 2011 season and pay $150 to a charity. - AP