Suspended backup CB won’t play in BCS game

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio State backup cornerback Eugene Clifford will not play in the BCS national championship game against LSU after being suspended Thursday for an undisclosed violation of team rules.

Columbus station WCMH-TV and The Columbus Dispatch reported earlier that Clifford, a freshman, and starting cornerback Donald Washington had both been suspended for the game on Jan. 7 in New Orleans.

The school released a statement later stating only Clifford would be suspended. Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith did not return messages seeking comment.

Athletic department spokeswoman Shelly Poe said no further comment on the situation was expected.

Clifford was a prized recruit from Cincinnati’s Colerain High School. He was listed as Malcolm Jenkins’ backup at border corner on the Buckeyes’ latest two-deep chart.

The top-ranked Buckeyes’ final workout before the holidays was Wednesday. They will be off until Dec. 26, then practice for a week before flying to New Orleans on Jan. 2.