Terrelle Pryor announced through his attorney Tuesday that he will not play again for Ohio State.
"In the best interest of my teammates, I have made the decision to forgo my senior year of football at The Ohio State University," Pryor said in statement released by Larry James.
"I think he's going to take the next couple of days to come to grips with all of this," James told USA TODAY. "Obviously, he would like (to be drafted in the NFL's supplemental draft) to happen, but right now, it is, 'What does he do next." Right now, he has an interest in staying in school and finishing. He has an interest in going in the supplemental draft if that is a probability."
PHOTO GALLERY: �Images of Terrelle Pryor
Pryor is suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season for selling memorabilia in exchange for cash and improper benefits. While those violations were found in December, there has further investigations of his alleged use of multiple automobiles during his time in Columbus.
"We understand Terrelle's decision and wish him well in this next phase of his life," Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said in a statement. "We hope he returns to The Ohio State University one day to finish his degree."
Pryor is required to serve his current suspension at any NCAA school. If he goes to another FBS school, he would sit out the 2011 season before missing games in 2012. He could play immediately after the suspension if he transfers to a lower-division school. Another possibility is going to an NAIA school.
Should the NFL's supplemental draft not be an option, he could play in the Canadian Football League or in the UFL.
"I was notified this evening that Terrelle has decided to pursue a professional career. I wish him the best in his pursuits," Ohio State interim coach Luke Fickell said in a statement.
The decision by Pryor to leave school comes eight days after the resignation of Ohio State coach Jim Tressel.
"The coach is gone and he and the coach were very close," James said. "It's just a series of events. The atmosphere right now is just not healthy moving forward. He's going to talk with some family members on what he should do."
Pryor failed to fulfill the high expectations placed on him as the No. 1 prep recruit in 2008.
However, he finished his career 31-4 as a starter and led Ohio State to wins in the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl. In his three seasons, he ran for 2,164 yards 17 touchdowns and 6,177 passing yards and 57 touchdowns.
Contributing: Jim Halley
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See photos of: Ohio State University, Terrelle Pryor
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomSports-TopStories/~3/yX909yK2znE/1
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