Pryor not returning to Ohio State, eyes NFL

Terrelle Pryor's career at Ohio State, which started with so much promise and potential, has come to an abrupt and scandal-ridden end.

The Ohio State quarterback announced through his attorney yesterday that he would not play for the Buckeyes this season.

"In the best interests of my teammates, I've made the decision to forgo my senior year of football at The Ohio State University," Pryor said in a statement issued by Columbus lawyer Larry James.

Pryor will most likely make himself available for an NFL supplemental draft.

"I would hope so. Also, he would hope so," James said. "But he's going to take the next couple of days to get his head together."

Pryor already had been suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season for accepting improper benefits from a Columbus tattoo-parlor owner. The NCAA is looking into all aspects of Ohio State's once-glittering program, from cash and tattoos to players, cars and other potential violations.

Pryor's announcement comes 8 days after Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel was forced to resign for knowing about the players' improper benefits.

"He did not want to be a distraction to his teammates," James said. "This is something he came to consider after much thought."

Earlier in the day, Ohio State president said Tressel's resignation under pressure was not a result of the university attempting to ward off possible NCAA sanctions.

Gee said the coach's Memorial Day departure followed an accumulation of issues that were troubling to the university.

* Penn State will kick off its 125th football season Sept. 3 at Beaver Stadium against Indiana State. Kickoff is noon. On Sept. 10, Alabama will visit for a 3:30 kickoff televised nationally on ABC, the Crimson Tide's first visit since 1989.

The start time for the Penn State-Temple game at the Linc on Sept. 17 is expected to be announced later this month.

* Tennessee athletics director Mike Hamilton announced he decided to resign so the Volunteers would have a "clean slate" when they go before the NCAA's Committee on Infractions later in the week.

Hamilton has been at the helm of Tennessee men's athletics for eight seasons. The university faces 12 NCAA infractions against the football and basketball programs.