Receiving the tattoos is impermissible under NCAA rules regarding improper benefits, and several Buckeyes players could be suspended before the Sugar Bowl if it turns out they did get them for free.
View full sizeBuckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor has several tattoos, but he says through his Twitter account that he paid for all of them.COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State is investigating whether several players could be suspended for the Sugar Bowl, the Columbus Dispatch reported, for receiving free tattoos from a Columbus tattoo parlor. Ohio State held its last practice before Christmas break on Tuesday, and an athletic department spokesperson said no players missed the practice.
Quarterback Terrelle Pryor stated his case Wednesday night, writing on Twitter: "I paid for my tattoos. Go Bucks."
Receiving the tattoos would be impermissible under NCAA rules regarding improper benefits. Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith was suspended for the Alamo Bowl at the end of the 2004 season for receiving money from a booster.
The players are off until Sunday, when they are scheduled to return to campus. They'll practice twice before flying to New Orleans on Dec. 29.
Ohio State's Sugar Bowl matchup with Arkansas on Jan. 4 has been taken off the boards by sportsbooks in Las Vegas, a common move in situations like this.
The Dispatch reported that the situation came to light after law enforcement investigated the tattoo parlor and found memorabilia signed by current and former Ohio State players. The results of the investigation could affect the players for the Sugar Bowl or, if the investigation isn't completed, could affect the eligibility of players starting in 2011.