Pryor, Herron, 3 other OSU Buckeyes suspended for games in 2011

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor and four other Buckeyes were suspended by the NCAA for the first five games of next season for selling championship rings, jerseys and awards and receving improper benefits. All can still play in the Sugar Bowl against Arkansas.

Along with Pryor, running back Daniel Herron of Warren, wide receiver DeVier Posey, offensive lineman Mike Adams and defensive end Solomon Thomas must sit out and repay between $1,000 to $2,500 to charity.

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith called the sanctions severe and said the school will appeal the suspensions.

"While we believe sanctions should be rendered, we do believe they are severe," he said today at a news conference. "We do believe we can give mitigating circumstances for the NCAA to consider."

The NCAA said it did not suspended the players for Jan. 4 Sugar Bowl against No. 8 Arkansas because the "student-athletes did not receive adequate rules education during the time period the violations occurred."