NCAA tried, but never interviewed Clarett over OSU allegations

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The NCAA tried numerous times to interview Maurice Clarett about accusations he made against Ohio State's football program, but the former Buckeyes running back never responded to its requests.

The NCAA's announcement Wednesday came one day after the organization refused comment on whether it had interviewed Clarett about allegations he made last fall that coaches and boosters arranged for him to get passing grades, cars and thousands of dollars.

The NCAA on Monday outlined nine violations against Ohio State, but only one involved the school's football program -- quarterback Troy Smith's acceptance of $500 from former OSU booster Robert Q. Baker in May 2004.

None of Clarett's most explosive allegations were verified. The other NCAA violations were against the school's men's and women's basketball programs.

NCAA investigators called Clarett's cell phone numbers, relatives, former representatives and friends, and attempted to contact him in person, David Price, the NCAA's vice president of enforcement services, said in a statement.

"Not once did Mr. Clarett respond to our repeated requests to meet with investigators or provide information," Price said.

Clarett's agent, Steve Feldman, said he was aware the NCAA might have an interest in speaking with his client but it has not contacted him since he started representing Clarett in February.

"What happened in Ohio is in the past," Feldman said. "He's just going to concentrate on playing for the Broncos."

Clarett, who was drafted by Denver in the third round on April 23, has not spoken with reporters at the team's practices this week. His mother declined comment when reached at home.

A message seeking comment was left with Alan Milstein, the attorney who represented Clarett in his unsuccessful lawsuit against the NFL to gain early eligibility in the draft.

Clarett rushed for 1,237 yards and scored 16 touchdowns as a freshman in 2002 at Ohio State, leading the Buckeyes to the national championship. He was suspended for the 2003 season for lying to investigators during an NCAA probe of allegations he received improper benefits from a family friend.

Ohio State athletic department spokesman Steve Snapp said the NCAA would have contact information for Clarett from its earlier investigation and he was unaware if the school did anything more to help investigators contact Clarett.

"We have every confidence in the NCAA investigative process," Snapp said. "We don't think this changes anything."

The NCAA on Tuesday refused to say whether it interviewed Clarett after the November allegations. NCAA spokesman Erik Christianson said that once investigators begin probing an athletic department, they thoroughly examine all allegations.

Price said Wednesday that NCAA procedures prevent staff from commenting on aspects of an investigation before it's completed, but allows for correcting erroneous information that has been made public.