Washington to play for OSU

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio State confirmed Friday that starting cornerback Donald Washington is practicing with the team and will play in the national championship game when the Buckeyes taken on LSU in New Orleans Jan. 7.

There had been reports from several media outlets Dec. 19 and 20 that Washington and backup cornerback Eugene Clifford had been suspended from the team for a violation of team rules. Ohio State later announced that Clifford had been suspended for an undisclosed violation of team rules. No mention was made of Washington.

Ohio State football spokeswoman Shelly Poe confirmed Friday that Washington was practicing and would be available to play in the Bowl Championship Series finale at the Louisiana Superdome.

The Buckeyes resumed practice bowl workouts Wednesday after a holiday break. They leave Jan. 2 for New Orleans.