Ohio State Football Suspensions: What Do 5 Players Mean To Team?
Ohio State Football: Five Players Suspended, What Do They Mean To Team?
News has come out of Columbus today that the NCAA is suspending five Ohio State players for games next year for accepting improper benefits.
"These are significant penalties based on findings and information provided by the university,” said Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice president of academic and membership affairs.
The players suspended will be able to play in the upcoming Sugar Bowl against Arkansas, but their suspensions will start at the beginning of next season.
Who are the players and what did they do? What do these suspensions mean?
Let us know how you think these penalties will affect the Buckeyes.
Who Are the Players? What Did They Do?
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Quarterback Terrelle Pryor, running back Dan Herron, wide receiver DeVier Posey, offensive linemen Mike Adams and defensive end Solomon Thomas all have been suspended for the first five games next season.
The five were found to have sold awards, gifts and university apparel. They all also received free tattoos in exchange for autographs.
In addition to the suspensions, the players must repay the money they received for the items they sold.
Pryor, the staring quarterback, will repay $2,500 for selling his 2008 Big Ten championship ring, a 2009 Fiesta Bowl sportsmanship award and his 2008 Gold Pants, a gift from the university.
Herron, the starting running back, will repay $1,150 for selling his football jersey, pants and shoes for $1,000 and receiving discounted services worth $150.
Posey, a starting wide receiver, will repay $1,250 for selling his 2008 Big Ten championship ring for $1,200 and receiving discounted services worth $50.
Adams, the starting left tackle, will repay $1,000 for selling his 2008 Big Ten championship ring.
Solomon, a backup defensive end, must repay $1,505 for selling his 2008 Big Ten championship ring for $1,000, his 2008 Gold Pants for $350 and receiving discounted services worth $155.
A sixth player, linebacker Jordan Whiting, must sit out for the first game next season because he got a $150 discount on services because he was a student athlete, which he must also repay.
5. Solomon Thomas, What His Suspension Means
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2010 Stats
14 Tackles
Why He Will Be Missed
With the graduation of fellow defensive end Cameron Heyward, there will be a hole on the defensive line that Solomon Thomas was expected to help fill. While his impact will probably felt the least, it is still a loss for a defense that needs playmakers on the line.
Who Could Fill In
If Thomas was going to shift over and take Heyward's spot next year, then there is obviously a need for a new starting defensive end. If Adam Bellamy sticks at defensive end then he could start in that spot. There are a few freshmen who will be coming in on the defensive line, but it is a little difficult to project how they could affect the depth chart.
4. Dan Herron, What His Suspension Means
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2010 Stats
1,068 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. 18 catches for 180 yards.
Why He Will Be Missed
Any time you are losing a 1,000-yard back with 15 or more touchdowns, it is a huge loss. Dan Herron has been a running threat for Ohio State since his freshman year. He has had over 400 yards in each of his three years and over six touchdowns all three years. This year he had career highs in all major categories.
Who Could Fill In
Behind him, Brandon Saine is graduating, leaving just Jaamal Berry to carry the load. Berry is finishing up his freshman year, where he has had just 266 yards and one touchdown rushing.
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3. Mike Adams, What His Suspension Means
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2010 Stats
N/A
Why He Will Be Missed
Any time you lose a left tackle, it is huge loss. His loss is impacted more because Andrew Miller is graduating behind him, leaving no experience at left tackle next year.
Who Could Fill In
Andrew Norwell is finishing up his freshman year as the backup right tackle. Either he or J.B. Shugarts could be moved to left tackle to fill in, but that still weakens the depth chart.
2. DeVier Posey, What His Suspension Means
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2010 Stats
50 receptions, 778 yards, 6 touchdowns
Why He Will Be Missed
DeVier Posey is second on the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns. However, he is the only returning starter from the wide receivers. The two receivers behind him are both graduating, and he was going to be counted on to provide stability to the passing game.
Who Could Fill In
Tight end Jake Stoneburner will be counted on to shoulder the load next year as a junior. Chris Fields and Corey Brown will both be expected to step into starting roles this year.
1. Terrelle Pryor, What His Suspension Means
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2010 Stats
65.8 completion percentage, 2,551 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, 11 interceptions.
639 rushing yards for 4 touchdowns.
Why He Will Be Missed
The Buckeyes will be starting next season without their starting quarterback. That is going to be tough no matter how you spin it. However, this suspension could be all the incentive Terrelle Pryor needs to make the leap to the NFL next season.
Who Could Fill In
While Joe Bauserman could prove to be a capable starter, he isn't the playmaker that incoming freshman Braxton Miller is. Miller is among the top overall prospects in the country. He can make plays with his feet or his arm, and could have a chance to start his career as a starter because of Pryor's mistake.
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