A symbol of one of Ohio State football's happiest times on the field and darkest off it has resurfaced on the Internet. And, not surprisingly, the blast from the Buckeyes' past comes in the name of commerce.
Terrelle Pryor was part of three Big Ten titles while quarterbacking the Buckeyes from 2008-10, but his decision to include the championship ring and other memorabilia from his freshman season in a trade for cash and tattoos ended up sparking a scandal that put the Buckeyes on probation and cost them a chance to play in a bowl last season, among other penalties. It also was the beginning of the end for Jim Tressel, who lost his job as head coach of the Buckeyes after failing to notify the NCAA or his superiors of a potential illegal benefits situation despite receiving a tip from a former Ohio State player.
And now you can own that championship ring, but it will cost you.
Bidding was up to more than $16,000 as of late Sunday night, though the seller writes in the item's description that it sold for more than $18,000 in June.
I purchased this ring directly from Edward Rife, the owner of Fine Line Ink Tattoos, who was the primary individual involved in the Ohio State Tattoo Scandal controversy. According to Rife, this ring was the first item that he ever received from Terrelle Pryor... And the rest is history! I purchased several other items from Mr. Rife including signed pants, footballs, gloves, helmets, etc.
Ohio State disassociated Pryor from the program for five years beginning in 2011, and he is now the starting quarterback for the Oakland Raiders. The Buckeyes endured losing season in their first year without Pryor, but they have not lost since Urban Meyer became Tressel's replacement in November 2011.
So while both sides of moved on, evidence of the scandal continues to resurface. And you could own a piece of it.
(H/T Deadspin)
