I made the three-hour bus trip from State College to Pittsburgh for the weekend, excited to see my brother’s basketball team take on the highly-ranked Jeannette Jayhawks in the second round of the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) playoffs.
And, of course, I wanted to see Terrelle Pryor with my own eyes.
For months, I had heard about the 6-foot-6-inch quarterback from Jeannette High School who could run the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds. The talk increased when he decided not to sign a Letter of Intent on National Signing Day.
A true athlete, Pryor had been dominating on the basketball court, while waiting to make a decision on which college he would attend. It seemed to be the general consensus that Pryor’s decision to take more time to pick a college was a good sign for Penn State.
On Feb. 16, I arrived at the Baldwin High School gymnasium with my family and the families of my brother’s teammates at about 10:30 a.m. for a noon tip-off. Spectators started filtering in shortly after, anticipating a sell-out crowd.
The South Fayette fans saw a hard-fought game, worth every penny of the $6 they paid to spectate. Both sides played their hearts out through four periods and overtime. In Pryor, they saw a tremendous athlete—fast, strong, and agile.
They also saw one of the most disgusting and, quite frankly, disappointing displays of unsportsmanlike behavior they’d ever witnessed. It started before the tip-off and lasted well after the final buzzer.
He never properly was rebuked for it by the refs or by his own coach. Perhaps it was because he is considered by many to be the Prince of the WPIAL, the Duke of High School Sports, or the Lord of Gridiron.
In any case, I can’t remember when athletic prowess became a free pass to act like a jerk.
Pryor taunted the South Fayette players/coaches with a condescending laugh as they filed into the gym for the pregame shoot-around.
His Royal Highness then took time out of his warm-up to threaten the South Fayette student section, comprised of no more than 50 students, one of whom was dressed like Ohio State football head coach Jim Tressel.
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10 months ago
If the South Fayette students weren't acting like jerks to him in the first place, then he wouldn't of gotten mad at them. Everybody knows terrelle pryor is an amazing athlete, and if he wasn't sportsmanlike than teams wouldn't be going after him. It was one game that a group of high school students taunted and made fun of him because of how he is. Get over it, he may only be 18 but he knows right from wrong.
from 10 months ago
A punk is still a punk...you can dress him up with talent...but all in all...still a punk.
from 10 months ago
It was not one game. His unsportsman like attitude is something ignored and allowed because he is that good. As for knowing right from wrong...did he learn that AFTER getting arrested at Kennywood last year or before? Nobody is taking away the fact he is a tremendous athlete, we were just hoping he would be a tremendous person.
from 8 months ago
Yeah, this was a fluke. It's not like he's going to get taunts and jeers from the crowds in college or in the pros.
...oh wait
10 months ago
sounds like he will fit in perfectly at ohio state, who have the crudest fans I have ever seen!!!
10 months ago
^ Way to stereotype. Every fanbase has asshole fans. I'm sure you know the majority of OSU fans and therefore can speak with absolute authority upon how all of them conduct themselves.
10 months ago
This article is not even close to the truth.
I was at the game against South Fayette. South Fayette fans made racial slurs at TP the whol game, and he reacted. The rest is not true at all.
10 months ago
Many eyewitnesses to this game have stated that it was the South Fayette fans who were the instigators of what happened at this game. This article is not to be believed. Is the author really from Penn State? I doubt it.
10 months ago
exactly, if you were being cursed at while trying to play basketball and getting taunted, would you just take it?
10 months ago
This article seems out of character for Pryor. He seems like a pretty shy kid who wouldnt pull this crap. Tressel wouldnt be after him if he acted like this.
from 10 months ago
The proper and classy thing to do is smile and walk away. So, basically he will be a good fit for OSU, or Michigan. If he can't take the heat and control himself now: What will he do at the next level?
10 months ago
Obviously the majority who have posted here have never played a sport. It's quite simple actually, athletes are held to a higher standard. He'll be a rich man in 3 years, he should act like a decent human being now.
10 months ago
I find it hard to belief this is not a at least a little bit of an over embelishemnt because the south fayette kids were harassing him and actin like jerks. and if you have a facebook do a group search for him and there's a group exclusively for south fayette students " Terrelle Pryor Wat A Cocky F*cking A**Hole". And then theres a picture they dis him beyond words i the taggs and the comments. So its not a one-way thing. I understand thats your skool and ur upset but the student section was harrasing him. Someone who pointing to the fake Jim Tressel "There's you daddy for the next four years" he shouldnt have been gotten taunted because hes a great athlete.
10 months ago
Wow, this is one of the more slanted articles I've read in years. It's so obviously untrue I can't believe people are taking it seriously. Pryor can't use the bathroom without being followed by reporters, there were nine trucks at the Fayette game. Do you really expect us to believe that every person there just glossed over Pryor's racial slurs and saying "you suck" to all of the opposing players after the game? I've read a lot of REPUTABLE sources that say the fans were being horrible to him and he reacted. Now, as someone said athletes are held to a higher standard than normal people and he shouldn't have reacted, but I can forgive him being still in high school. Based on what I've seen across the net, only the part about him talking to the student section and being restrained by teammates is true.
And do those who say OSU fans are bad, I guarantee that there's not a school in America that doesn't have A hole fans that yell and throw filfth, I don't care where you go, for the most part fans are fans, and 90% of them are good people who come to enjoy the game.
10 months ago
Irony...Penn State fans saying OSU fans have no class.
The students who had a whole fraternity placed on probation for physically assaulting an opposing fan?
-Penn State
The students who threw bags of piss on an oppsing team's marching band?
-Penn State
The students who dressed up like murdered Virginia Tech students (and called it "a joke")?
-Penn State
10 months ago
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/kovakstory/02-17-08-kovak-column
Someone else noticed Pryor's behavior too
10 months ago
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/kovakstory/02-17-08-kovak-column
Someone else noticed Pryor's behavior too
10 months ago
Ahhh... a Penn State fan who is starting to see the writing on the wall with Pryor so the dumb whore takes a story and decides to report on it with maybe 5% accuracy with the other 95% being completely made up. Well done. You'll be working for Fox News in no time.
from 10 months ago
Wow, Anonymous! You win the prize for the dumbest, least informative post of all time. When does your unemployment run out?
10 months ago
Well, while I agree that the article is obviously slanted, I don't see why she has to be called a whore, ugly or fat or whatever. Most people, including each of us commenting have likely gotten caught up in hype over something and not been very objective at some time; Look at the dispute over Kobe's deserving, or not deserving the MVP trophy. Anyway, point is: she's just wrong, or maybe even an idiot or a**hole. But why resort to talking all that other shit? Lets be reasonable.
P.S. Way to be objective Jessica.
10 months ago
well maybe he should go to Penn St where they throw Beer Cans at people, or the U where they beat up the other teams players with Helmets,
10 months ago
just because hes a termendous athlete does not mean he is a stable minded adult. he has anger issues, maybe hurt at a young age, lacking something. what he really needs is to go somewhere thats more interested in helping him mature into a future nfl qb. than pimping his athletic ablities. And Michigan puts out more pro qb than anyone. along with what he can do for the maize and blue why even settle for OSU go to a real school and get a good education. go blue
10 months ago
In response to the last guy.....Michigan under Lloyd Carr put out NFL QB's (though not as many as people like to believe) Rich Rodriguez won't out out NFL QB's.
In any case this article is ridiculous. Has any of this been reported by any CREDIBLE, ACTUAL media outlet? Guys, how can you believe this crap, it's user generated info, of course it will be slanted.
The problem with the internet today is that anyone can write anything and people will believe it. Just because you have a computer and the internet doesn't make you an authority on anything. All this is is a stupid blog post, full of opinion, from a fan of South Fayette who obviously will see it from their perspective.
This user generated content is garbage sometimes.
from 10 months ago
Is it?
I think it's pretty cool that fans have an outlet where they can express their opinions and try their hand at being a journalist. It provides an alternate perspective from the mainstream media. To me at least, the more perspectives we can get, the better.
The purpose of Bleacher Report is not to replace mainstream sports media outlets, but to supplement them. If you don't enjoy reading an insider's perspective on Terrell Pryor's behavior, there are plenty of other websites on the internet where writing is restricted to "professionals" only.
10 months ago
http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/7255757
This link is for the previous comment that Michigan does not put as many pro qbs as people like to believe. Really not sure what is meant by that anyway.
10 months ago
"At the end of warm-ups, Pryor threw a basketball into the student section, where it hit an elementary school student."
You left out the part where that student was autistic, blind and crippled. Pryor then proceeded to rape his grandmother and kill his pet gerbil.
Make believe time is a fun time for everyone!
10 months ago
its a michigan thang you wouldnt understand. but it goes farther back than carr. and let the history books tell it. you either played for michigan or you didnt. if pryor puts on an OSU jersey thats not the end of michigan all i can say to him is prepair to be hit by the maize and blue
10 months ago
"if you were being cursed at while trying to play basketball and getting taunted, would you just take it" -- yes, if you're a good sport. let your performance on the court speak for itself. no reason to get drawn into a shouting match unless you are self-conscious about their taunts (and with Pryor, he has no reason to be). that said, he's a young guy so he's still got some growing up to do, so let's not be too harsh of judges eh?
10 months ago
It has been suggested that I comment on here to defend my article, so that is what I'm doing. First, I should point out that it IS an op-ed piece, not a news article, and that would explain the "slant". Second, if you feel that I am not a credible witness, fine. But I swear to you that I saw and heard everything that I wrote about. Terrelle Pryor is the probably the most amazing high school athlete I will ever seen, but I strongly feel that his athleticism does not excuse his behavior. The South Fayette student section could not possibly have been any worse to him than any other students he's faced this year. A kid was there dressed as Jim Tressel because he wanted Pryor to go to OSU (I should point out that the kid was a Pitt fan and therefore really just wants him to go anywhere but PSU). A lot of the younger students there were hoping to get his autograph after the game, but after seeing the way he acted to them, they changed their minds. I also heard a few more stories about Pryor's behavior that I did not add to the article because I did not personally witness them, including a story about how he was yelling at his teammates in the hallway after the game, after they had just won in overtime, and another story about his sophomore year when he ripped off his jersey and threw it at his coach for benching to give him time to cool off after receiving a technical.
And in response to the "Who's fans are worse?" debate that was briefly started up in this thread of comments, I think we can all agree that every college has fans who give the college a bad name. I assure you that at Penn State there were plenty of people who were unhappy about how the frat treated those OSU fans back in October.
All I can say is that I know what I saw and I know that Pryor's behavior that day was not the norm among high school athletes. None of his teammates acted like he did. Trust me, after the past two years with Anthony Morelli's less-than-stellar performance, I really really want Pryor to come to Penn State, but only if he can grow up.
from 10 months ago
Jessica, there is no use trying to give facts to some of these people. They simply don't want to hear them. They will defend a sports hero, regardless of the situation. This has become more and more common in our society until the athlete crashes and burns (see, O.J. Simpson, Barry Bonds, PacMan Jones, Mike Tyson, and recently Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire, Terell Owens, etc. etc.) Pryor is going to be a hand full for someone unless someone begins to call him on his behavior. I hope it happens, wherever he chooses to go to school, and that he becomes a great person in addition to a great athlete. Great job on the article.
10 months ago
lol, genius...theres a reason why O$U has recieved NATIONAL ATTENTION for their POOR SPORTSMANSHIP and RUDE FANS. I used to live in Columbus...I know all to well how "Classy" Buckeye fans really are. I cant tell you how many times I have been down on campus and seen cars with Michigan plates get keyed or pissed on by drunk, ignorant students there. Theres a reason for they stereotype...
from 10 months ago
right, right. this is to say the same things never happen at scUM? or anyother college csampus for that matter?
10 months ago
I am a HUGE college football fan. I live in the midwest and my loyalty goes with a smaller MAC school I attended. However, I have two goals: Attend a game at every Big 10 and MAC stadium. I have 13 stadiums under my belt thus far, and over 50 college games in my life. With multiple games at PSU, OSU, UM, UW, I can say OSU consistently has the worst fans in the midwest. By worst, I mean rude, ignorant, and just plain jerks. I, for one, have welcomed OSUs success recently, because it shines the spotlight on college football in the midwest. Yet I cannot believe the chip on the shoulder of Buckeye fans, or there inability to grasp an historical perspective of the game. I have seen fights, vandalism, jerks, riots, the works at most of the places I have been at one time or another. But never with the consistency that you get in Columbus. Having also lived on the west coast for 2 yrs, I can tell you OSU has a reputation for two things: Great football teams, terrible football fans. You all need to grow up, you shine a bad light on the midwest.
from 10 months ago
I think this is pretty funny. Where exactly are you from?
from 10 months ago
I lived in Columbus for 5 years, attended games and spent time on campus, I now live in SEC country with rabid Alabama/Auburn fans and have gotten to witness that the OSU fans are no better or worse than at any other college. The few bad stand out and seem to get all of the attention and that is not only ridiculous but also unfair.
10 months ago
This is the THIRD independent article I have read about that game, and all have said Pryor acted like an a$$hole. The people on here who think because the opponents fans were taunting him his actions were warranted, what do you think will happen as he plays in bigger arenas and bigger rivalries? Seriously? You think they are going to toss roses at him? He is a jerk. He will fit in at OSU perfectly. I visited OSU's campus last yr, wearing a shirt of an opposing school, and besides the mean comments I was told to my face twice I should be killed. "Shot in the face" was how one student put it. The other was an older man, yet he still felt the need to tell me I should be killed. Nice school you guys run there in Ohio. With this Pryor kid making death threats to opposing fans, he is a perfect fit for THE Ohio State University.
10 months ago
my dog graduated from osu
and by dog, i don't mean friend. i mean my f'ing dog.
from 10 months ago
clever. really, very creative.
10 months ago
What I can't understand is why all of you on both sides are so caught up in any of it. Whether or not he did those things means nothing. Your Universities already have people on there rosters that have done worse. Not to mention, none of you sound as if you've ever played high level sports of any kind.
I played football and basketball ( 1st team all division ) and f'd up my chance at college because of off the court issues, however, I remember when the worst thing I had to deal with was crazy soccer moms and "has-been" dads, screaming nonsense. Towards the end of my career though, it has become ridiculous how non-athlete fans like you guys take stuff way too far, out of some strange cult like obsessional loyalty to a University or Program, and use that as a subconscious justification to spark these "un"informative blogs of hysteria, that end up flaring up into gang like disputes with no real rational outcome other than wasting your breath and increasing the stress and pressure of the already obscene microscope. THERE IS NO WAR! THERE IS NO NATIONAL DISASTER! THE SKY IS NOT FALLING DOWN! Grow up and just enjoy the game... PS Jessica, you are to blame for Terrel's outburst. Think about it... You'll figure it out.
10 months ago
http://www.observer-reporter.com/OR/Story/02-17-08-kovak-column
10 months ago
OSUs only pro quarterback, Troy Smith was way over rated, look like shit against florida, and aint done anything in the pros. UM has plenty good pro quarterbacks. And Columbus is the arm pit of normal society. thats why their fans are less than smart. Terrelle wake up buddy OSU isnt where you need to be.
from 10 months ago
You and the comment writer below are well informed, non-biased writers. the two comments are very informative and accurate. thanks for writing.
10 months ago
don't forget though, OSU's only pro qb, Troy Smith, was also a thug. He punched Ryan Autullo from behind during a high school basketball game, for which he was expelled from St. Edward (but OSU still grabbed him up!). And took money from an OSU booster (and still OSU let him play football!). Pryor is just filling the shoes of OSU's need for a classless quarterback.
10 months ago
whoaaa i meant Troy Smith punched John Floyd. My bad.
10 months ago
UM's "great QB tradition" will end with Rodriguez because his offense has never produced and NFL quarterback.
Also, I'm not talking about a school that produces NFL backup QB's.....lots of schools can do that, I'm talking about consistently producing NFL starters. Michigan's claim to QB U is so out of line its incredible, sure you've had some good ones (Brady) and tons of busts (Harbaugh, Griese)
from 10 months ago
thank you anonymous. scUM fans always write on here that Pryor should go there because of their QB tradition. sure, scUM has many qbs in the pros. NONE of which came out of the spread-option system. so few actually bother to note that fact. scUM will no longer produce pro qbs. due simply to the fact of offensive system.
10 months ago
Good! There is one more animal smarter than a Michigan grad!!!
10 months ago
the chicago white sox have the worst fans. only time i've ever had a gun pulled on me at a sporting event.
10 months ago
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!
10 months ago
I hate ppl who make stuff up, like the post above me. Harbaugh a NFL bust?
Harbaugh played in the NFL for 15 years. While with the Colts he led the team to the AFC Championship game; was voted to the Pro Bowl; was named the 1995 Comeback Player of the Year and the AFC Player of the Year; and was runner-up in the NFL MVP voting. He won the NFL passer rating title in 1995 at 100.7. In January, 2005, Jim was inducted into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor.
Dude was almost the MVP of the league, played fro 15 yrs, and u call him a bust. You must have an O$U edumacation.
While I agree UMs reign as quarterback U is probably over, you cannot dispute it has been THE place for producing Qbs since the early 90s.
http://nfldraft.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=537412
10 months ago
Why do you start this crap on hear-say?? Unless you wittness it first hand, don't write about it. It only shows a desperate plea for attention.
10 months ago
and btw, Brian Griese was also a pro bowl player (2000), and started more games by himself in the NFL than all O$U's QBs combined in the last 20 yrs.
10 months ago
actually, Harbaugh doesn't think very much of the michigan "edumacation", and he went there.
10 months ago
imagine that, a head football coach, when looked over for the head coaching job of his alum, not even ain invite, decides to talk smack about them. if you want to know about michigan's education, just look at any college rankings. in almost any area of study. you won't have to look down the list far, its usually top 10, right along side the ivy leagers. O$U? psssht. They aren't even in the top half of the Big 10.
10 months ago
The most telling line about which school is quarterback U: "All but one Wolverines starter since Grbac in 1989 has STARTED a game in the NFL". And that one that didn't start a game? Hes a NFL backup.