Terrelle Pryor was once the biggest star in Ohio. He was considered the next-best-thing in college football as he helped bring the Buckeyes three Big Ten titles along with wins in both the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl. He had all the potential in the world and was considered a favorite to win the Heisman trophy in his final season. Until that season never occurred after an NCAA scandal led to his dismissal from the school. To this day, Pryor is still upset of the whole situation.
Pryor found himself the center of a scandal involving a tattoo parlor where the quarterback apparently traded memorabilia in exchange for ink. It resulted in sanctions to the school and forced Pryor to disassociate himself from Ohio State for five years. He was also suspended the first five games of his NFL career after trying to work his way into the professional ranks.
"That's my school, but they don't really accept me," Pryor said, via the Dispatch. "I've moved on to what I have now, and that's just football. Those guys kicked me out of school after all those things I did for them."
Pryor said he had some interest in the Buckeyes game against California that was played in nearby Berkley. Even if he was able to attend, he would not be allowed to. Part of the ban with the NCAA is not being allowed to accept tickets from players, alumni or coaches.
Pryor is right; he did a lot for that school during his time at quarterback. He brought Ohio State three wins over rival Michigan. He was MVP of both bowl games. He went 31-4 as a starter while breaking school records in both touchdown passes (57) and rushing yards by a quarterback (2,164). However, all of that is clouded by the scandal that gave Ohio State a two year bowl ban along with other sanctions.
He was eventually drafted by late owner Al Davis in 2011's supplemental draft. Now officially the starting quarterback, Pryor is trying not to look back on his tarnished college career.
"I'm not really worried about Ohio State right now," Pryor said. "That's not my job."
Pryor says he is not bitter over how things ended with Ohio State. He believes in what he is doing now, even telling reporters that he hopes the Buckeyes win the championship this year.
