Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant Ineligible For The Remainder Of The Season

NFL News - October 28th, 2009 - Written by Scott

Dez Bryant, the star wide receiver for Oklahoma State, might not be returning to the Cowboys not just this season, but forever. After lying to NCAA investigators regarding his relationship with former NFL star Deion Sanders, he has been officially suspended for the remainder of the season. Bryant was originally suspended on October 7 while the NCAA investigated this issue. They have now ruled that Bryant will not be eligible to return until September 2010. Oklahoma State has however appealed the decision to the NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee. Bryant is obviously disappointed in their decision and has now commented publicly for the first time since the suspension.

"I just felt the manner in which I was interrogated by the NCAA was an experience I never had before," Bryant said. "The manner they asked the questions led me to believe that I did something wrong when in fact I had not. My mistake was not seeking advice prior to being interrogated and then turning around and not telling the truth."

Rumors had escalated that if he was not reinstated Bryant would enter the NFL draft following the season. Bryant is expected to be a first round pick in the draft after the remarkable season he had last year for the Cowboys. He had 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2008 and was leading the team in receiving yards and touchdowns through three games this year. A person close to Bryant said that if he was not able to resume play this season, he would leave school and begin training for the NFL. He has stated that he plans to wait out the appeal and hopefully return to practicing with the team.

"I'm not thinking about that," Bryant said. "I'm helping my team and continuing my course of study."

The concern by the NCAA regarding his meeting with Sanders was that Bryant was using him as a source for a future agent, which he fully denies. Bryant stated in a letter to the NCAA that he had just gone running with Sanders at a Texas athletic center and then went to his house for dinner, but did not eat. His penalty is regarded as "relief" from a stiffer one that could have been handed down. The punishment for not providing inaccurate information during the investigation ranged from a six game suspension to permanent ineligibility.

Oklahoma State(6-1, 3-0) faces No. 3 Texas on Saturday in a game that will have huge implications in the Big 12. Not having Bryant for this game is detrimental and will affect the College Football Odds for Oklahoma, but losing him for the rest of the season and possibly to the NFL are more of a concern for the program.

To discuss this and other NFL related stories be sure to check out our new forum at:
https://www.usaplayers.com/forums/