Yesterday the Big Ten released a list of the 33 football players that will accompany their coaches to the conference's Kickoff Luncheon August 2nd and 3rd in Chicago. Standouts from John Clay to Evan Royster were on the list, even Purdue's Robert Marve, a transfer from Miami that has yet to play a down in the league. But that wasn't news. What was news was that Jim Tressel opted to leave Terrelle Pryor at home, causing a media meltdown unseen since the NFL announced that the 2014 Super Bowl would be held in New York City.
Every Heisman winner in the history of the conference, from Archie to Troy, has appeared at the event, but the player thought to be the Big Ten's best bet to capture the award this year (with all due respect to Mr. Clay) will be in the 614 while his coach and teammates meet with an army of reporters at McCormick Place.
The Tribune's Teddy Greenstein called the absence of Pryor "weak", the Big Ten Network's Brent Yarina offered up a sigh and ESPN's Big Ten blogger, Adam Rittenberg, weighed in with the following:
The big absence is Ohio State starting quarterback Terrelle Pryor, although his omission won't surprise anyone who has covered the Buckeyes. Yes, yes, I know head coach Jim Tressel brings seniors or captains to Big Ten media days every year, so spare me the e-mails. But we're talking about a three-year starting quarterback and the reigning Rose Bowl MVP. Ohio State's continued sheltering of Pryor is not shocking, but disappointing. It's time we heard more from a guy who has led the offense onto the field for the better part of the past three seasons.Clearly these guys are frustrated and one can't really blame them. Pryor is entering his third season as a starter, fresh off a Rose Bowl MVP performance and will be piloting a team many expect to contend for the national championship this season. Though he has had some high profile stumbles in front of the press in the past, most notably after sporting Mike Vick eye black in the opener against Navy last season and then following it up with a curious-at-best statement in defense of the beleaguered NFL quarterback, but he seemed to learn from that mistake and parroted Tressel in interviews after subsequent games leading up to two long sessions before the Rose Bowl, where he performed well in front of the media. Those of us familiar with the workings of The Vest weren't really surprised with yesterday's news. Tressel prefers to take seniors to the annual event. Indeed, since 2004, 20 players have made the trip to Chicago and only two of them were juniors -- Marcus Freeman and Vernon Gholston in 2007, but they were redshirt juniors. The media spotlight will be on blast in Pryor's direction all season long and this is probably just Tressel's way of attempting to keep his quarterback humble. So while I understand the move to keep Pryor at home, what's really unfortunate is that the three seniors making the trip, Cameron Heyward, Dane Sanzenbacher, and Bryant Browning, all worthy in their own right, will likely be bombarded with questions about their star quarterback.
Meanwhile, in other Pryor-related news, word surfaced that Penn State coach Joe Paterno has not visited a prospect on the recruiting trail since he met with the Jeannette prospect in 2008. The Nittany Lions overcame Paterno's lack of travel last year, signing a pretty stellar class, but three verbals (Ohio State has 17) in Paterno's pocket so far this season is leading to full-on panic mode in State College (and cackles just about everywhere else).
Comments
you see what he did there? the prior and Pryor thing. you see the nice little play on words? a clever little homophone. you see what he did?
The media obsession with Pryor is unhealthy.
Leave Terrelle alone!
I should add that I support this because Tressel *never* takes 3rd year players. His policy is to reward loyalty to the program and the team, and I see no reason he should stray from that just because the media have already anointed Pryor the next coming of Vince Young. No player is bigger than the team.
You didn't see anywhere close to this whining when Beanie Wells (a similar level of talent, and also a pre-season Heisman front-runner) didn't go to media days because he was a junior.
i see tressel forgot to bring the pacifiers again.....but really, pryor goes to this thing and let's just say he says something controversial (and i DO believe that is reaching even though he has said stupid stuff before, and i credit pryor with this opinion of mine because it has happened before in which he has probably learned from that mistake... who knows what could happen?), now a shitstorm ensues. to me it doesn't matter that he wasn't there, but it's probably not beneficial either way. let 'em cry themselves to sleep for all i care.
Media can suck it. It's not like they won't get plenty of Terrelle time during the season.
Screw The Meeja.
Exactly what I was thinking. Maybe he prefers to take people to these things if they are willing to stick through their entire career and graduate.
This is a mistake. Seize the opportunity of a bunch of good pub. We all know this stupid shit matters to those journalists. We want those journalists thinking positive thoughts about tp and thiks years team. Unfortunately they matter quite a bit in college football, so throw em a bone! Let them talk to tp! Let them pump us up nationally
I think its great.... A bit F U from Tress to the media just waiting to set a trap for Terrelle to fall into...... Tress and Pryor are working on the maturity issues and NO WAY Tress is gonna see it all go up in smoke in one event..... Bravo to Tress for having the guts to keep him in Columbus. Who cares anyway???
The kid's been in the spotlight since, what, his sophmore year in HS? When has he ever been hurting for attention? He doesn't need this trip for the Heisman campaign and he won't be lacking for pub. He won't even be there and he'll still be the focal point.
My first thought also....the media was foaming at the mouth to throw TP a few lose-lose, trap questions. Eff 'em.
Agreed with Jr.-- Tress has sheltered this dude too long. If the B10 is truly the second best conference, why not have all your stars on deck and showcase the talent? Again, SEC schools don't do this. They bring all the talent to the forefront. The rigidity needs to cease. Tress drives me crazy with this stuff. Nothing wrong with getting a little 'liberal' with play-calling and media.
" It’s time we heard more from a guy who has led the offense onto the field for the better part of the past three seasons"
Did I sleep through a whole season or something?
Rittenberg: "But we’re talking about a three-year starting quarterback and the reigning Rose Bowl MVP... It’s time we heard more from a guy who has led the offense onto the field for the better part of the past three seasons."
The past three seasons? Pryor is not just a quarterback, he's also a miracle-worker, somehow managing to cram three seasons of football into only two years!
Why would Tress do something just because the SEC does? The SEC over signs player's too. You want JT to do that as well?
I love Tress as much as the next guy and I'm really not that passionate about it but I think Pryor should be there. He's the straw that stirs the drink on the offensive side of the ball and if what we've heard about TP seizing a leadership role toward end of last year and this "off-season" is true then I think he should be there to represent. To Jason's point, I think not taking TP causes a bigger circus for the other guys to handle anyway.
The media will get their chance next year at the event to ask TP questions.
Let’s face it, employees and writers for this blog; the media doesn't have Pryor's best intentions in mind. The only thing that they look for is something to shock and awe the public. They care not what this does to his school, career, or his psyche. They look for dirt or some other type of juicy story on every kid they meet. If the media has an opportunity to stir up some controversy then that is exactly what they'll do. JT knows this and knows that this year is a year where everything needs to be thought out carefully and spare no expense at keeping the negative attention and side show detractions at a minimum.
A trip to media days is a reward for 4 years of dedication and something that is earned. I don't care that this will be his third year starting. It's not his fourth and he is not entitled to it. Entitlement is an issue we always preach about in regards to the younger generation and now folks think the TP deserves this when it hasn't fit the president that JT has already set?
TP made his bed in regards to the Vick comment. He's been sleeping in it ever since. Maybe he is still learning how to make that sum'beach to Tress' standards. No one knows where he is at maturity wise except for him and JT and maybe a few other coaches. I think that is the way that it needs to stay. The only thing the media needs to see is his performance and the only thing the media needs to ask questions about is his performance. The kids been slobbered on since he was in High School. I assume that JT knew that to be an issue and thinks minimal contact with the press is way to help him grow up and avoid any setbacks in his run for the Heisman. Maybe this is what is best for him??
P.S. My comments in regards to the media were not pointed in the direction of this blog. I know that you guys are fans as much as you are reporters. I don't believe that you have malice in minds nor hearts when reporting on the Buckeyes. If something news worthy is said, you would undoubtedly print it because it's your job. I would assume you would have damage control in mind.
I sure hope so.
Unless he's coming back to get his first championship...
MIXED FEELINGS!
Because an extra session for the national press to be bombarded with regurgitated Tressel-speak is necessary in the least.
If you phrase any poll question in the form of: "Do you agree with Tressel's decision to _________?" The answer will always be yes. I'm a loyal solider in Jim's Army.
You know who can suck it? That's right, the SEC.
Good catch.
Amen to that. Also, I just "Witnessed" the Lebron travesty here in Cleveland for the past two months. I'm perfectly fine with Jim Tressel not feeding the media overexposure machine.
I'll take wins over hype anyday!
He'll be back. He played up to expectations in exactly 3 games last year, one being Toledo and another being New Mexico State. He's still got looong way to go to be consistently good.
The SEC also has some rampant criminal activity going on, most likely due to their liberal approach. We have underage drinkers as the biggest problem here in the BigTen Iowa and Minnesota and let’s not forget last year with MSU. The criminals are prevalent in the SEC, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia and the Biggy, Tennessee.
But does he think he is better than he has displayed is the question. I support TP but his maturity has long been a question for me.
Tressel Can shelter him now but once he gets to the NFL he won't be sheltered so he should be there. And get all that experience with the media now
Once he is in the NFL he is considered accountable for his own actions. As of now, JT will take the heat and brunt of whatever mistake TP makes. I am sure the teaching is taking place. He may not be ready for it or it may be just the precident JT already has in place as the reason for his absence.
If Tressel 'never' sends his third-year players to the media day, then why is anyone, anywhere, surprised he didn't send third-year Terrelle Pryor to media day?
Which do you prefer - media love, or team cohesion and more wins? I'll take the latter, thanks.
The media types are just pissed cause no one but hardcore fans want to read an interview with Dane "who? oh yeah, that guy, I like him" Sanzenbacher.
absolutely... TP seems to be an emotional guy... Why give Miami, Iowa, Penn St. bulletin board material?? Tress is trying to teach this young man the value of humility and being part of a team. You earn the right to go the luncheon when you have paid your dues and are a senior.
You are not bigger than the team, Young Man.... Seniors Only... Great lesson to be taught here.
I'm all aboard the Dane Train -- guy's got the best hands I've seen. Anyone who can take the hits he's taken because Boeckman and then Pryor strung him out over the middle in a crossing route directly into a LB, and still hold onto the ball for a gain of 8 is alright in my book.
Agree with jr. I'm surprised that there are not more Buckeye fans are a little peeved at Tressel. Terrelle Pryor is not just the face of Ohio State football, he's the face of the Big Ten. The conference as a whole rebounded big last year in bowls, but had TP taken the field in Pasadena and thrown for 90 yards, no TDs, 2 picks, in a loss...the Big Ten's reputation would still be wrecked.
He is very important to the respect the conference is looking for. The media certainly affects popular opinion on who's good and who isn't. I applaud Tressel on one hand for running it like a college, doing it his way. But on the other, he's not doing anyone any favors.
wrong he played very well against PSU and Iowa---14-17...80% of the completions went for 1st downs
Most of us don't know this but Pryor used his super powers to fly forward like Superman in Superman 2 (but in reverse) to speed up time. He's already seen the future and is building a bunker to prepare for Judgement Day. When OSU beats Alabama for the MNC setting off the second Civil War (aka the War of Southern Aggression) he will be safe and sound in his bunker.
This is all true because you read it on the Internet. The Internet doesn't lie.
+1... Whay should the Buckeyes do any favors for the media? Correct me if I'm wrong but the Big Ten and Ohio St. in particular have been a national punching bag for the last few years. Some of it has been deserved but most was just piling (sp?) on. Screw them. What we do on the football field is what matters. NOt some Big Ten showcase in the middle of July.
I think he HAS to come back no matter how well this season turns out. He is a freak of an athlete but has a long way to go to move up to the NFL.
+1000 Internets.
Take it for what its third-hand worth, but I have a close friend in the Ohio State coaching ranks -- not football, but in a related high profile sport -- who frequently interacts with younger guys on the OSU football coaching staff. At least according to these younger guys, the staff finds Pryor to mostly be a headache. He apparently is not well-liked on the team by most, is viewed as arrogant, frequently gets into trouble at clubs on account of his arrogance (but nothing in the way of violence or criminal acts; moreso, he just acts like a douchebag). All in all, my friend reports that the staff is looking forward to Pryor's exit, possibly at the end of 2010, and then making way for Braxton and a new regime of more team-oriented philosophy. I've also spoken to friends of players -- although not the players themselves -- and the general impression from those discussions is that Pryor is on another level in terms of prima donna-ness and his relative isolation from his teammates. He has a few close friends, Posey in particular, but is largely not engaged. I do not think we will see him as a captain this year.
Given that, it's not surprising to me that Tress would keep Pryor from the media. My hope is that Pryor explodes in 2010, we win the national title, and then Pryor exits to give Braxton 4 years with the team. Braxton is the type of QB that Tress should end his career with because I think he better reflects Tressel's values than does Pryor.
I think he goes. He will have a solid year this year and proves that he can be a talented QB. NFL teams will draft him high because even if he won't pan out as a QB they will have a very talented WR. He will be the next SLASH. Think about his skill set, 6'6'' 240. That is one huge WR or fast as hell tight end.
He reminds me of Randy Moss.
the next slash... but can he punt?
Partially agree. Yes he will be accountable for his own actions in the NFL, but if he screws up in the NFL you don't think there will be backlash towards OSU. "They did not develop him properly!" "OSU doesn't prepare players for the NFL"
Tressel can do the best he can but if TP fails as a player it will only come back to OSU. A shame but the truth.
I personally feel Tressel knows what he is doing. You break a rule that you have always had and then everyone will try to get him to break other rules. Leave the rule breaking to the SEC.
P.S. Five more weeks til we have to hear the diarrhea dribble coming out of Mark Mays mouth! His commentary is so annoying that when I hit mute on my remote, my dog thanks me.
He can arm punt!
..FTW
I hate Mark May's stupid face and smug glasses.
When I was on the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer in Feb., Herbie and Bruce Hooley do a form of College Gameday and take questions from the fans. I asked what it would take for him to go back to CT and punch May right in the mouth. I got a standing O.
And Pat Forde needs a good punch in the face as well.
and Craig James.
And pretty boy Jesse Palmer
Don't forget Jesse Palmer. His mother is rosey palmer and her five sisters!
+1000
as far as i'm concerned, that whole Bristol, CT site can burn to the ground.
Need Keith Jackson and Spielman to get in there and smack them all around.
right after we teach keith how to say olentangy correctly.
TRUE!
+1gabillion
"Thumbs UP"
Interesting poll question on that link-> Should Florida be dealt as stiff of punishment as USC. A) Yes-
B) No-
C) Wait for more details-
I'd love to say yes just because it's Florida. But, the practical side of me wants more details.
There are a couple of glaring differences right off the bat. The Reggie Bush story was something like 4 years old this year. With that, USC was largely uncooperative the whole time, and to this day, despite the NCAA's findings that coaches knew, the school has maintained complete deniability to ever knowing what was going on, and is fighting the sanctions.
Florida's situation is only 6 months old and involved a player who was on his way out when the violation occurred, Florida is being transparent with the NCAA, and is launching their own investigation immediately. I hate Florida, too, but there's something to be said when a school takes action and responsibility - the NCAA loves that. If they're being cooperative, chances are they'll sanction themselves if they find any wrongdoing on the part of the school.
Adam Rittenburg shot his wad
What makes you think that Braxton will actually stay for 4 years? He looks like he'll be even better than Pryor IMO. He might not be the freakish athlete Pryor is but he's every bit as fast but can throw better. Personally I think Pryor stays until the 2011 season and then bolts. The Pryor rumors don't surprise me though. Prima Donna QBs are a dime a dozen.
No NFL team will look at his stats for those games and think he's ready to lead a team and get paid tens of millions to do it. True, he didn't make mistakes but he didn't have the opportunity to make any. I think when the draft predictions come back he'll return for another season.
The kid held a presser to announce he had nothing to announce. He has been told how good he is for the last 12 years. I'm sure no one has ever told him no, outside of JT. So he may be a jerk. Didn't matter much when he was MVP of Rose Bowl. Won't matter much if he continues to win.
My biggest question is why people question JT. It's his team. It's his call. That's good enough for me.
I can put it another way...if RR landed him, TP would have been taken to these things the moment he set foot on campus. I see this as another example of JT focusing on the personal growth of his kids and the team, not the hype of one player.
That is very F5'ing.
Unless his brother got paid as well.
I agree completely. Great observation/comment. I bet that is how the conversation went(I hope).
Dane's my boy(not literally)! Toledo Central Catholic grad. Thanks for bringing him up, Orlando!
I said when he got to OSU he'd remind many of Gonzo. He still could use a few extra pounds, but you're right, he has good hands and he is faster than he gets credit for. He doesn't make many mistakes, and at times has been Pryor's "go-to" guy. Round of applause for *Dane Sanzenbacher!* #12!!!!
If Pryor and Ohio State have a great year, Dane is going to play a big part. Mark my words.
Saw him win the 400meter in high school against kids/schools from all over the state. He won it by almost 50 yards.
BTW, Orlando...arent' ALL BUCKEYE FANS hardcore?
Talk softly and carry a big stick.
T.P's message will be displayed during action this fall.
Give it to J.T for running the ship how he sees fit. Its brought the OSU many wins and championships. The day he starts caring what the media thinks will not be when the finally award him a long over due conference coach of the year award.
Consistency and the emphasis of team over self will have escape the wits of our media friends. Good to see that for the most part our Buckeye faithful get it.