Report: Terrelle Pryor received $20-40K for signing memorabilia

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Soon after Terrelle Pryor announced his decision to skip his senior season at Ohio State, ESPN released a report that Pryor received between $20,000-40,000 from a memorabilia dealer for signing autographs.

An anonymous source, who described himself as an ex-friend of Pryor’s, said he saw the Buckeyes quarterback sign memorabilia in exchange for thousands of dollars in 2009-10. Pryor was allegedly paid $500 to $1,000 each time he signed gear for Columbus freelance photographer Dennis Talbott, who also photographed Ohio State games on occasion.

Both Pryor and Talbott denied the allegations, ESPN reported.

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In the report, the anonymous source also said that Pryor received preferential treatment in Columbus, accepting thousands of dollars worth free food at restaurants or convenience stores, drinks at bars and tattoos.

The source said that he spent almost every day with Pryor before their relationship took a sour turn after the 2009-10 season because Pryor developed an “arrogant” attitude.

Pryor’s decision to leave Ohio State came about a week after the university and NCAA announced an investigation into several potential violations Pryor had committed.