Clarett's status hanging over OSU

Andy Geiger, Ohio State's athletic director, maintains that Maurice Clarett has received no special academic treatment at the university.
That assertion shortly came after The New York Times reported last week that the star running back walked out of a written mid-term exam last fall and was later allowed to make up the test by taking oral exams.
Geiger's reaction generated two responses.
Buckeyes fans breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Non-Buckeye backers, especially college graduates who never had the option of walking out on a test with no fear of paying a stiff price, snickered in disbelief.
Clarett, even though only a sophomore, is favored to win the Heisman Trophy and just about every other collegiate award a running back can receive. His running gifts are extraordinary.
NFL future bright
Despite injuries that grounded him for several games, Clarett danced his way into the end zone 16 times while accumulating 1,237 yards. If he can avoid injuries, Clarett will be a Top 5 selection in the NFL Draft in April 2005.
His presence is a big reason why coach Jim Tressel's Buckeyes are expected to contend for another Big 10 championship.
And that's why Ohio State should clear up this mess as soon as possible.
On offense, Tressel has All-Americans in quarterback Craig Krenzel, split end Michael Jenkins and right tackle Shane Olivea.
Krenzel has a 15-0 record in games he has started and played more than two series.
Jenkins caught 61 passes in the 2002 championship season for 1,076 yards.
Playing both ways is flanker/cornerback Chris Gamble, who was on the field for at least 100 plays in his final four starts.
Anchoring the defense are ends Will Smith and Darrion Scott.
If you love Ohio State, does it get any better than this?
If the Buckeyes can win at Wisconsin on Oct. 11 and at Michigan on Nov. 22, another BCS berth is obtainable.
The Buckeyes don't need allegations hovering over their 14-0 season.
Buckeyes fans initially were concerned that Clarett's academic eligibility might cast a shadow over the 31-24 double-overtime victory over Miami in the Fiesta Bowl that secured Ohio State's national championship.
NCAA not involved
At the moment, the NCAA doesn't appear to be overly concerned. No one is talking about prying the championship trophy from Columbus.
Geiger's assertion of Clarett's classroom adventures may be correct, but the silence roaring out of Columbus since the story broke leaves a few seemingly simple questions unanswered.
For instance:
UWere Clarett and his other classmates (whether on scholarship or paying customers) told in advance that anyone uncomfortable with taking the written midterm had permission to walk out and make other arrangements?
UIs the walkout policy available in other Ohio State classes?
UIf so, how many?
Paulette Pierce, the professor of Clarett's African-American and African Studies 101 course, told the Times that she has taken similar steps to help students who are not athletes.
Pierce hasn't been heard from since the story was published.
Clarett, whose mother lives in Youngstown, released a statement through an attorney saying he was disappointed in the Times story and that he believes that the assistance he received didn't break any rules.
That's it.
Special committee set
Late last week, Geiger and interim provost Barbara Snyder announced that they are heading up a special committee to investigate academic misconduct allegations.
Ohio State President Karen Holbrook says that any misconduct will be reported to the NCAA.
No one is saying how long it will take them to release information.
The sooner they do, the better.
XTom Williams is a sportswriter for The Vindicator. Write him at williams@vindy.com.