More Players Back Clarett’s Allegations

Claims by more former Ohio State players that tutors wrote papers for them and fans arranged easy jobs don’t indicate NCAA violations because the university didn’t sanction or arrange the help, an athletics department spokesman said Friday.

Still, Athletic Director Andy Geiger told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that the university would seek to interview the players: Carolina Panther receiver Drew Carter, former linebacker Fred Pagac Jr. and former fullback Jack Tucker.

In an interview posted on espn.com, the three backed some of former tailback Maurice Clarett’s allegations that players received improper benefits. They said tutors completed papers and other homework for players, and Carter said he received high pay for light jobs.

“There certainly is no allegation that any of whatever they claim they did or was done for others was arranged by us,” Geiger told the Plain Dealer. “I didn’t see anything to worry about.”

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Boston College can clinch its first berth to a bowl championship series game today with a victory over Syracuse in Boston.

A victory would give the Eagles the Big East title. A loss would create a four-way tie between Boston College, Syracuse, West Virginia and Pittsburgh. In that scenario, Pittsburgh and Syracuse would move to the top because of 2-1 records in head-to-head matchups against the other contenders.

BCS rankings would then be used to break that tie and if Pittsburgh were to defeat South Florida in its finale on Dec. 4, the Panthers likely would get the conference’s BCS bid.

Boston College quarterback Paul Peterson will not play after breaking a bone in his right throwing hand last Saturday against Temple. Freshman Matt Ryan will start.

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Twenty-eight Florida Atlantic players, including 14 starters, won’t start against Edward Waters today after skipping a day of practice in what was described as an “ill-conceived practical joke.”

Coach Howard Schnellenberger handed down the punishment during a meeting with the players, all seniors, who skipped practice Wednesday. The boycott was meant as a prank.