When NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell made the decision to suspend Oakland Raiders quarterback, Terrelle Pryor for violations he made in the NCAA, he was met with some criticism. Under terms of the suspension, Pryor can’t practice or play until the week of Oct. 10. He can attend meetings and has been working out on his own after practices.
However, Pryor who previously said he would not oppose the penalty the NFL imposed as a condition of making him eligible for the supplemental draft, has since appealed and had his hearing on Thursday.
Pryor did not attend the meeting in New York, but his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said it was a productive meeting and that he appreciated Goodell and the union taking time to hear from Pryor. Rosenhaus also stated that he expected to get a ruling shortly.
Members of the NFLPA executive committee had pushed for the union to appeal the NFL’s suspension. Charlie Batch of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Scott Fujita of the Cleveland Browns were particularly vocal about their concern that the punishment sent the wrong message. Though Goodell said he made the decision without consulting the NCAA, Fujita, Batch and were concerned about collegiate violations carrying over to the NFL and Goodell making unilateral decisions on punishments.
Interestingly enough, former Ohio State Coach Jim Tressell was later hired by the Colts as a game-day consultant, without punishment for the same crime from the NFL. However, the Colts later decided to delay Tressel’s employment until Week 7 of the season, (with Goodell claiming he would’ve done the same, if given the opportunity.) After what appeared to be an obvious “favor” by the Colts, given the heat Goodell was under for his unorthodox punishment, it will be interesting to see how Goodell will handle Pryor’s appeal.
If Pryor’s appeal is granted, then an appeal by Tressel is sure to follow.