Pryor, Herron regret actions

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Star quarterback Terrelle Pryor and four Ohio State teammates suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season apologized on Tuesday for selling championship rings and memorabilia and taking discounts from a tattoo parlor.

The NCAA will permit all five to play in the Sugar Bowl against Arkansas on Jan. 4.

“I didn’t mean to hurt nobody at all and I didn’t mean to bring anything down or embarrassment to our university because this is the greatest university in the nation,” Pryor said, addressing his comments to alumni, former Ohio State players, fans, teammates and the coaching staff.”

He added: “Hopefully I can someday get your forgiveness.”

Pryor, along with starting tailback Dan “Boom” Herron, wide receiver DeVier Posey and offensive tackle Mike Adams, and backup defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, said they regretted their actions, which go back as far as two years.

The five juniors walked single file into a room at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, sat at a table and then each spoke about a minute. Two spoke from written notes. Reporters were not allowed to ask questions.

The players used the phrase “Buckeye nation” nine times in referring to those to whom they were apologizing.

“It’s something that is life-changing,” Thomas said. “This has really made us all really look at things very differently. We’re very remorseful to everyone around us, everyone in this room. We realize we made a mistake.”

Ohio State spokesman Shelly Poe told The Associated Press she did not know if the apologies were part of players’ punishment or if they were compelled to apologize by the coaches or asked to speak publicly.

The Buckeyes practiced earlier in the day. They leave today for New Orleans, site of the Sugar Bowl.

Pryor must repay $2,500 for selling his 2008 Big Ten championship ring, Fiesta Bowl sportsmanship award and his 2008 gold pants, a tradition-rich charm given to players who are a part of a team that beats rival Michigan. Pryor called his actions “young, selfish mistakes.”