CFL team shows interest in Pryor

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have acquired the CFL negotiating rights to

Terrelle Pryor

and have spoken to Pryor's lawyer about bringing the former Ohio State quarterback to the Canadian Football League.

Pryor's attorney, Larry James, said yesterday that the CFL is a genuine possibility for the 6-6, 233-pounder.

Pryor, a 3-year starter for the Buckeyes, announced on Tuesday that he is giving up his senior season while the NCAA investigates Ohio State players getting improper benefits, including tattoos, cash and possible sweetheart deals on cars. Pryor has admitted he broke NCAA rules by accepting improper benefits from a Columbus tattoo-parlor owner.

Pryor has other options. He could make himself available for an NFL supplemental draft, although there are questions about whether one will be held due to the labor unrest in the league. Pryor could also take a year off to prepare for next year's NFL draft.

Or he could even join another player who fell into disfavor and did not finish his OSU career, running back Maurice Clarett, and sign with a team in the United Football League. Clarett yesterday blamed the athletes rather than the coaches and fans for the culture that created problems in the OSU football program.

In other football news:

* The NFL owners and players held talks for a second straight day in New York. Meanwhile, Judge Susan Nelson moved up a hearing for the league's motion to dismiss the players' antitrust suit from Sept. 12 to Aug. 29.

* Former Blackhawks assistant general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff was hired as GM of the NHL club relocating to Winnipeg from Atlanta.

* The Penguins hired former NHL star Bill Guerin as a player development coach.

* Former Villanova assistant basketball coach Fred Hill was hired as an assistant to Northwestern coach Bill Carmody. Hill resigned as Rutgers' head coach last year.