Jared Sullinger, the Anti-Terrelle Pryor
Jared Sullinger is the latest of the freshman phenoms recruited by Ohio State Buckeyes Head Coach Thad Matta. Matta has had incredible success in his tenure in Columbus both on the floor as well as on the recruiting circuit. The unbeaten Buckeyes stand poised atop the NCAA landscape at #1 in the country, largely due to Jared Sullinger.
Sullinger has not only been the best player for the #1 team in the country and positioned himself for National Player of the Year consideration, but he has done it the right way. Sullinger, by all accounts, appears to be humble, hardworking, sincere, and despite his young age appears to be a leader on the Buckeye team.
Sure, he is not THE leader on THE Ohio State Buckeyes due to the strong senior leadership that is exhibited by guys like David Lighty and Jon Diebler, but he already exhibits more leadership qualities than Terrelle Pryor likely ever will. Before you get upset with my disdain for Pryor, remember that I am a huge Buckeyes fan and I want the same things you do. I want all Buckeyes teams and players to succeed.
I've seen things from Pryor, however, that honestly hurt the team and I personally have no respect for him. Yes, he's a very young man and he can grow and change. But to this point he hasn't and he has shown little to signs of improvement in my opinion. I am not a fan of Pryor and you have every right to disagree with me.
I am, however, a huge fan of Jared Sullinger. He assuredly a top 5 pick in the upcoming NBA draft should he choose to declare, he's the best player on the best team in the Country, and at Ohio State he is literally treated like a god among men. Yet he still remains humble, polite, hardworking, and a great teammate.
For instance, you may have heard the story about the Minnesota fan who taunted Sullinger with a sign during the Buckeyes recent victory over the Golden Gophers. The fan had a sign with a picture of Sullinger wearing lipstick and earrings mocking his rendition of a Miley Cyrus song (video below).
Now, ask yourself how Terrelle Pryor would likely have responded. All you must do is think back to many of his ill-advised tweets and comments responding to criticism last year.
But Sullinger approached the young man (Andrew Wagner) and requested the sign from him. The Plain Dealer asked Sullinger why he requested the sign and he said that he wanted to give the sign to his mother, thinking she would "love it, to have it to hang up."
Wagner later read the story on the Plain Dealer and contacted Sullinger on Twitter. Sullinger responded by mentioning this fan on his account, telling everyone that he liked the sign and asked them to follow the Minnesota fan. The fan was so impressed by Sullinger's response on the court and on his twitter account that he mailed the sign to him.
Wagner is quoted as saying "He was very classy and professional in dealing with the hostile crowd, he had a good sense of humor about the sign and it was for his mom."
This is just one example of the class, professionalism, leadership, and decency displayed by Sullinger throughout his short career with the Buckeyes. It's a shame there aren't more guys like this in sports and it's a shame that he will likely only be around for this one season. Hopefully he and the Buckeyes can make it one to remember for many years to come.
Comments
Just look at Pryor on the sidelines - he is a selfish little child. Sullinger couldn't be cooler no matter how much he gets mugged in the paint or taunted by opposing fans. I'm 44 and couldn't possibly display his maturity on the court.
TP is the shit, quit hatin'
I won't criticize another man until I can walk a mile in his shoes. You slam TP without any thought whatsoever about how his home life and up-bringing plays a roll in what you see on the field and in his life. These two young men have remarkably different backgrounds. Jared has both parents in his life. They're still married (as far as I know) and both played a role (Mom in the stands and Dad on the bench as coach), and still do, in his life and his sport. Terelle, on the other hand, didn't have it so lucky. Parents divorced, moved around from town to town as a kid, and ended up living with his godfather/legal guardian. This is just the tip of the iceberg for him. Yet it shows that you need to start doing some research before you whittle a man down, and commence to compare him to another man. You cannot compare Jared and Terelle unless you bring their whole life story into the mix. Thus, you, whomever you are, need to do so homework next time.
When does a person stop blaming their parents or circumstances in youth for their behavior as an adult? Grow up. Own your actions. Be the person you want to be.
Anti-TP??? I doubt TP likes you much either, but c'mon man.. TP is a 21 year old kid who makes mistakes just like everyone. You, me, and everyone else have been in trouble, made poor choices, or had some lapses in judgement at some point. If we were in a national spotlight as big as TPs and everyone knew every mistake, they would probably think we're poor leaders and selfish, undisciplined arrogant sports stars. But c'mon, would they really know who you are? Do you know TP? Dude made some mistakes and will serve his suspension. That doesnt make him a bad person. Just sit back and enjoy him shredding fools next year.
I do agree that Sully is a complete dude. And he's as likable as anyone in college basketball. But, the "anti-Terrelle Pryor" isn't another super gifted athlete in another sport whos personality you may like better. The "anti-Terrelle Pryor" is probably more like a talentless hack devoid of athletic ability who types up a few paragraphs about someone they've never met.
The funny thing is,this guy gets paid to bash on somebody thats probably half his age. You talk about how Terrelle needs to grow and change like he hasn't said that on more than 1 occasion himself and Tress also has said it many times. He's our quarterback, regaurdless. People don't have TPs back, thats all hes ever asked for is the support from US, all of Buckeye Nation. He tried his hardest on Jan. 4th to win back the fans and I personally don't understand how you don't respect a kid for that. He could have just as easily been working out for the combine right now. This article is just too disrespectful to be written by a fan.
Go Bucks!
I agree on many accounts. But you write like a seventh grader. Take yourself out of the story and be a journalist.
Who cares whether you LIKE Pryor or Not!! He's a WINNER!! I don't care what he's done (haven't be in Jail or arrested!!) But i guess you'd love a guy like Art Schliselter, who is a CROOK & Prison Inmate who's ripped of so many people(Buckeye Booster especially)...Basically stop worrying about his personal life because I'm sure you have some skeletons in your Closet like the rest of US!! HE WINS ON THE FIELD!! He'll get drafted in the 1st round!! I bet any amount of Money the Kids is a good dude and you just jealous because you CAN'T get in his Business!! YOU JUST A HATER!!!
Here's what bugs me about TP.... Buckeyes putting together a small drive, cross mid field and stall out on 3rd and short at the 38 yard line. As Tressel sends in the punt team, watch TP stay on the field, gesture and whine to the sidelines that he wants to go for it on 4th and shorter.
Sorry Charlie. You had your chance on 3rd and short and couldnt get it done. The vest calls the shots, not you.
I'm not hating on TP. He's tremendously talented and gifted. He has a great winning percentage. He's kept drives alive by using his God-given talent and thus won the game on several occasions.
I'm just saying, he DOES act like a whiny kid at times.
Criticizing Pryor while complimenting Sullinger is in poor taste, shame on you. Have you ever been a leader of anything in your life? Pryor is THE leader of one of the best programs in college football, and his players are behind him, guys that know him best. You are a fake Buckeye fan, and it is doubtful you are an athlete which is why you are a writer.
Pryor hasn't been perfect but he is a winner. He doesn't throw as good as others in the sport but he moves the chains. He is coming back for his senior season, I bet that irritates the heck out of you and fake fans like you.
Have a nice day scribe.