The Burning, and the Stupid…
By While I love to see Ohio State fail, this case serves to exemplify the basic absurdity of big college athletics:
Five players were found to have sold awards, gifts and university apparel, plus receive improper benefits in 2009. In addition to missing five games next season, Pryor, Mike Adams, Daniel Herron, Devier Posey and Solomon Thomas must repay money and benefits ranging in value from $1,000 to $2,500. The repayments must be made to a charity…
The NCAA announced the suspensions Thursday, shortly before Smith and coach Jim Tressel were to meet with reporters to discuss the university’s investigation of players trading autographs for tattoos.
Pryor must 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 for players on a team that beats arch-rival Michigan. Herron must repay $1,150 for selling his football jersey, pants and shoes for $1,000 and receiving discounted services worth $150. Posey must repay $1,250 for selling his 2008 Big Ten championship ring for $1,200 and receiving discounted services worth $50. Adams must repay $1,000 for selling his 2008 Big Ten championship ring. Thomas 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.
As a friend put it on Facebook, Terrelle Pryor is free to supply his talent and ability to The Ohio State University at an extreme discount, The Ohio State University is free to make millions of dollars off that talent, but Pryor is not free to sell the trinkets he receives in return for his discounted labor. Thank God for the dignity of amateur athletics!
See also Yglesias.