COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Five Ohio State football players suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season have apologized for selling championship rings and memorabilia and taking discounts from a tattoo parlor.

Star quarterback Terrelle Pryor and four other Buckeyes took turns Tuesday apologizing to Ohio State fans and asking for forgiveness. The players, who leave Wednesday for the Sugar Bowl, spoke after practice.

The five were suspended last week by the NCAA for five games next season. Because they are juniors, they could make themselves available for the NFL draft this spring and avoid any NCAA-mandated punishment.

The NCAA said all five can play in the Sugar Bowl against Arkansas on Jan. 4.