Pryor may appeal suspension following draft

Associated Press

Former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor could appeal the five-game suspension levied against him by the NFL should he be chosen in next week’s supplemental draft, a decision that would add another layer of complexity to an already unprecedented situation.

Pryor was part of a list distributed by the league of players who are eligible for the draft, but the NFL decided that he won’t be allowed to practice for the team that selects him until Week 6.

Pryor gave up his final season with the Buckeyes following an investigation into the memorabilia-for-cash scandal. Pryor would’ve had to sit out five games had he chosen to return.

Pryor’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said Thursday that “we accept that voluntarily.” But the player’s attorney, David Cornwell, told ESPN Radio on Friday that it’s “likely” the five-game punishment will be appealed once Pryor signs an NFL contract.

“Given some of the developments — both in reaching the decision and comments out of the [NFL Players’ Association] regarding the decision — I think it’s likely that we will file an appeal, and give the Players’ Association an opportunity to make its objections to this on the record,” Cornwell said.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith worked together to craft the decision. The league is trying to dissuade future college players who run afoul of the NCAA from using the NFL as a means of escaping punishment. But the move has been staunchly opposed by current players who believe the NFL is overstepping its authority.