NCAA Does Not Plan To Reinstate Ohio State’s Vacated Wins From 2010 Season, Other Penalties

“Although college athletes can now receive benefits from their names, images and likenesses through activities like endorsements and appearances, NCAA rules still do not permit pay-for-play arrangements,” the statement said “The NCAA infractions process exists to promote fairness in college sports. The rules that govern fair play are voted on, agreed to and expected to be upheld by all NCAA member schools.”

The Buckeyes went 12-1 in 2010, winning the Big Ten Championship and the Sugar Bowl, but had those victories vacated after five players, including Pryor, running back Daniel “Boom” Herron, wide receiver DeVier Posey, offensive tackle Mike Adams and defensive end Solomon Thomas traded their team-issued memorabilia for tattoos.

Ohio State was placed on two years probation and the five players were suspended for five games, though Pryor entered the NFL supplemental draft before the start of the following season. Head coach Jim Tressel was also suspended for two games but ultimately resigned from his post amid the investigation.

“Although this could never undo what we and our families endured for breaking rules that shouldn’t have existed in the first place, we believe reinstating and acknowledging the accomplishments of ourselves and our teammates would be a huge step in the right direction,” the former players wrote in the open letter.

Of course, Ohio State’s name, image and likeness guidelines prevent student-athletes from selling their team-issued equipment and apparel until their eligibility is exhausted. The NCAA has not set any guidelines of its own, though.