By Tim Reynolds
Associated Press
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. ó Terrelle Pryor ended his silence Tuesday ó for exactly 97 seconds.
Speaking out, albeit briefly, for the first time since his college career at Ohio State ended embroiled in scandal, Pryor appeared with agent Drew Rosenhaus and gave a brief statement. He apologized to the Buckeyes, to his former teammates and to now-departed coach Jim Tressel for his role in the mess that may take down one of Americaís proudest programs.
ěI say sorry to all the Buckeye nation and all the Buckeye fans across the country,î Pryor said. ěI never meant to hurt anybody directly or indirectly with my conduct off the field and I am truly sorry.î
Pryor had already been suspended by Ohio State and the NCAA for the first five games of what would have been his senior season this fall for accepting improper benefits, such as cash and discounted tattoos. The scandal led to Tresselís forced resignation. Tressel acknowledged knowing his players were taking improper benefits but covered it up for more than nine months before Ohio State officials discovered his knowledge.
Pryor is Ohio Stateís all-time leading rusher among quarterbacks, with 2,164 yards. He also threw 57 touchdown passes, tying a school record, and is now aiming to be selected in the NFLís supplemental draft this summer.
ěIn terms of coach Jim Tressel, a special shoutout,î Pryor said. ěIím sorry for what all went down and I apologize with all my heart. I love you just like a father. You taught me a lot and I apologize for putting you in a situation and taking you out of a job and place that you loved to be. I regret the fact that youíre not there any more and I regret the fact that Iím not there any more.î
The NCAA continues investigating all aspects of Ohio Stateís athletic program, particularly the football team, including whether athletes received cars, money or other extra benefits that would be against collegiate rules. Last week, when Pryor revealed that he was leaving school, ESPN reported that a former friend of his, speaking to the network under the condition of anonymity, claimed he the quarterback made up to $40,000 annually signing autographs.
Pryor may still be asked to cooperate with that NCAA investigation. However, his attorney Larry James said last week the quarterback feels no obligation to speak with NCAA investigators now that he is no longer enrolled at Ohio State.
ěHe is very sad about what has happened to his college career and Ohio State,î Rosenhaus said. ěI can tell you that he is extremely, he is responsible for the mistakes that he has made. He has owned up to that. There are no excuses here, guys. No excuses at all. But the past is now the past for him and we have to move ahead. There is no point in him looking back.î
Rosenhaus, who famously once kept repeating ěNext questionî at a news conference he hosted about client Terrell Owens ó the agent even got the pronunciations of their first names mixed up at one point ó took the tact of ěNo questionsî on Tuesday.
ěI think Iíve said it all,î Rosenhaus said after he spoke for about six minutes in which, among other things, insisted he believes Pryor will be a first-round pick in this summerís supplemental draft.