Ohio State’s star running back, Maurice Clarett, is facing the possibility of sitting out the entire 2003 season.
Earlier this summer, Norma C. McGill, a teaching assistant in OSU’s African-American studies department, released a statement to the New York Times accusing Clarett of academic misconduct. McGill, who recently met with NCAA officials and a university committee to discuss her statements, reported Clarett and other members of the football team were provided with answers prior to exams, given oral exams and, in some cases, had test scores changed. After being held out of the team’s first 23 preseason practices, Clarett was cleared to practice Aug. 23.
The head coach of the Buckeyes, Jim Tressel, reversed that decision, however, last weekend.
An official decision has not yet been made as to the number of games Clarett will be deemed eligible for, if any, but sources close to OSU have said the university is leaning toward suspending him for the entire season.
The length of his suspension will not only be determined by his academic problems, though; his legal trouble will be factored into the decision as well.
Clarett filed a police report claiming stereo equipment, clothing, cash and CDs valued in excess of $10,000 had been stolen from his car. He has since admitted to exaggerating the value of what was stolen, and he has publicly apologized for embarrassing Ohio State. A decision in the case is still pending.
Jackson’s eligibility still up in the air: A decision on whether Michigan defensive back Marlin Jackson will return to the Wolverines’ lineup for their matchup with Houston has not yet been made. Jackson missed MU’s season opener against Central Michigan due to a “disciplinary action” taken by head coach Lloyd Carr.
Jackson, the preseason Big Ten defensive player of the year, recently pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in a plea agreement with Washtenaw County prosecutors. Aggravated assault is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Sentencing in Jackson’s case is set for Sept. 11.
The charges stem from a fight Jackson was involved in during a June 1 house party. Shanin Farokhrny, also an MU student, accused Jackson of hitting him in the right eye with a bottle.
When asked about Jackson’s eligibility Monday, MU head coach Lloyd Carr stated: “I will have a comment on that when I’m ready.”
Purdue’s Joey Harris ruled academically ineligible: Joey Harris, the Boilermakers’ leading rusher last season, was declared academically ineligible for the 2003 season. Harris, who compiled 1,115 rushing yards on a school-record 250 carries as a junior last year, needed to maintain a ‘B’ average in three summer-school classes to remain eligible, according to Purdue Sports Information director Tom Schott.
Sophomore Brandon Jones, who rushed for nearly 700 yards last season, will likely replace Harris.
