There isn’t enough that can be said about fresh starts.

We all need them. Our lives are filled with them – those opportunities to erase the chalkboard and give it another shot.

Different stages of life inherently bring these chances for change into our sphere. And even if we didn’t take any huge missteps in the previous portions of our lives, new horizons allow us to ‘fine tune’ ourselves, if you will.

As we would expect, the professional sports arena is also jam-packed with athletes who revel in these fresh starts.

Anyone recall the nose-turning attitude that fans (and sponsors) demonstrated toward a future five-time NBA champion and sure-fire Hall of Famer after a sexual assault case in 2003? Now, the media clings to the ‘old school, work-aholic’ nature of Kobe Bryant, pitting today’s newer villians up against his level of individual and team success.

Or what about these guys who can’t seem to shake those off-the-field troubles? One of those guys – 954 receptions, 14,858 yards and 153 touchdowns later – proved to be the deadliest perimeter weapon of his era, and Randy Moss was the at the center of every opposing coaches gameplan.

While the success that the aforementioned athletes experienced is not anywhere near the norm, the stories highlight all that is right about real life – and that is the very American ability pick yourself up and to be the person that you want to be.

So, weren’t you shocked to hear that perhaps the biggest name in the history of the NFL Supplemental Draft is being suspended before he’s even been drafted?

That’s right, folks. Roger Goodell, who, more than anything else, has become more famous for the punishments that he’s levied, has really knocked one out of the park this time. And it’s clearly foul.

Based on an NCAA investigation, former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor was suspended for the first five games of the 2011 NCAA season. But those familiar with the process of scandal are aware of the best way for amateur offenders to deal with the situation – and that is to move on to the next level of competition.

But last night, Goodell changed all that.

The NFL Commissioner mirrored the suspension handed down by the NCAA, making Pryor inactive for the first five contests of the regular season. Thus, any team selecting him would have to do it with that stipulation in mind.

Will Pryor be able to shine despite missing significant time during his rookie season?

Goodell, in a clairvoyant attempt to be judicious, indicated that his decision was not intended to set any type of precedent, and that the punishment is tailored to Pryor’s unique situation. But isn’t every punishment based on the details of the offender’s offenses? Regardless of what Goodell believes he’s not doing, the truth is that this suspension is crossing into uncharted territory. Once news of the pending suspension spread, the NFLPA swiftly encouraged Pryor to consider appealing the ban. They knew that Goodell’s decision was one that could indeed be the first of many that could come in the similar situations.

The Players’ Association is right. Goodell was clearly up-to-date on the matter, had his opinion, and was ready to flex his administrative muscle. He was eager and anxious, and much like the NCAA, his punishment wasn’t immediate in nature. Pryor was banned from the Buckeyes’ first five games next season, but was allowed to participate in the 2011 Sugar Bowl. Similarly, Pryor was banned from the first five regular season NFL games, but was allowed to be picked in the Supplemental Draft. In both cases, the decisions levied against him were similarly inconsistent.

Perhaps the worst of it is that Pryor will be unable to leave the nastiness – that was attached to his name – behind him. From the onset, it’s going to accompany him into his professional career. In fact, his initial employee will have to make a decision of his worthiness in spite of it.

So much for his fresh start.

T Lamont is the owner, administrator and author of all content for Ball or Nuthin\'. Feel free to contact T Lamont with a question or comment at ballornuthin@gmail.com.  All created Ball or Nuthin' content is the sole property of T Lamont. Read more from this author