COLUMBUS, Ohio — Terrelle Pryor‘s lawyer wanted Ohio State to make it clear to the NFL that his client could not return to the Buckeyes. So Ohio State not only declared its former star quarterback would not have played at any time during the 2011 season but also banned him from any contact with the school’s athletic program for the next five years.
In a letter from Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith dated Tuesday, Smith said Pryor was ineligible because he failed to cooperate with NCAA and Ohio State investigators. He then added, “The university must also dissociate you from its athletic program for a period of five years.”
That means Pryor can have no contact with recruits or enrolled Buckeyes, cannot accept complimentary tickets to home games and cannot use the team’s athletic facilities. Smith didn’t rule out the use of all campus facilities, however.
“Please note that this dissociation does NOT prohibit you from enrolling in classes at the university to complete your degree,” Smith wrote. “As you know, I would encourage you to complete your degree.”
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league has not decided anything about a prospective supplemental draft, nor has it considered the status of Pryor.
• Florida running back Jeff Demps, a potential track star, said he is sticking with football and looking forward to “having a great senior season.”
• South Carolina quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus was suspended by Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier after being charged with nuisance conduct after officers saw him urinating on a downtown street in Greenville, S.C.
• LSU athletic director Joe Alleva decided to stay put despite overtures from Tennessee and will be rewarded with a raise.
Khabibulin to serve jail time for DUI
PHOENIX — Edmonton Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin withdrew an appeal to his extreme drunken-driving conviction, accepting a 30-day jail sentence.
“I have decided to withdraw my appeal and proceed with sentencing,” Khabibulin said. “Once completed, I eagerly anticipate a timely return to Edmonton for training camp, where I will strive to be the best player, teammate and citizen possible.”
Khabibulin, who played for the Phoenix Coyotes from 1996-99, will serve the first 15 days of his sentence in jail with work release and the other half of his sentence under house arrest. He will have to wear an ankle monitor and is subject to random alcohol testing.
• Forward Kris Draper, whose 1,137 games with the Detroit Red Wings rank fifth in franchise history behind Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman, Alex Delvecchio and Niklas Lidstrom, is retiring after 20 seasons.
Footnotes.
Regis Jesuit High School swimming sensation Missy Franklin was sixth in a women’s 50 backstroke preliminary at the world championships in Shanghai. Franklin was a late addition to the event after teammate Natalie Coughlin dropped out.
• Former NHL coach Andy Murray signed a five-year contract to coach Western Michigan.
Denver Post wire services
