New charges to be probed at OSU

COLUMBUS (AP) -- NCAA officials returned to Ohio State today to investigate new allegations by former running back Maurice Clarett that he received improper benefits while playing for the Buckeyes, athletic director Andy Geiger said.
"I hope there is the most thorough investigation in the history of intercollegiate athletics because this is so bogus I can't even characterize it," Geiger said.
ESPN The Magazine reported last week that Clarett accused coach Jim Tressel and his staff and school boosters of arranging for him to get passing grades, money for bogus summer jobs, thousands of dollars in cash and loaner cars. The school immediately labeled the charges as lies.
Three former players have corroborated some of the charges. Each failed to stay academically eligible at Ohio State and ended their playing careers early.
Most of Clarett's allegations were covered as part of an NCAA probe that found Clarett lied to investigators, leading to his suspension from the team in 2003. Clarett helped Ohio State win the national championship in 2002.
Geiger said the NCAA wanted to come back to Ohio State.
"They're going to start a new investigation. It takes months," Geiger said.
He said he is confident that the NCAA will find no wrongdoing.