Clarett says Ohio State provided improper benefits to athletes.
Former Buckeye running back Maurice Clarett alleges that Ohio State provided him with improper benefits during his three years on the football team. Clarett accused coach Jim Tressel and his staff of providing him with improved grades, cars and thousands of dollars. Recently, Clarett told ESPN the Magazine that he "took the fall" and was "blackballed" from returning to school.

Ohio State has responded by inviting the NCAA to make an official probe of its athletics department. Speaking to reporters during the recent Ohio State-Michigan game, Athletic director Andy Grieger welcomed the chance to clear his department.

"I hope there is the most thorough investigation in the history of intercollegiate athletics," said Greiger, "because this is so bogus I can't even characterize."

Clarett was suspended by the NCAA for lying to investigators the year after leading his team to the 2002 national championship. He then tried to enter the 2004 NFL draft, and was denied, barring him from both collegiate and professional football.


Brady, Manning lead Patriots and Colts to lopsided victories.


The Patriots did what they do best against the Bills, executing solidly on offense and making Drew Bledsoe look silly on defense. Bledsoe completed only eight of 19 passes for only 76 yards, while Tom Brady completed 19 of 35 passes for 220 yards.

Peyton Manning had five touchdowns and two interceptions in the Colts 49-14 romp of the Texans on Sunday. It was Mannings' third game this season with five throws for a score, tying the NFL record. Manning is on pace to shatter Dan Marino's record of 48 touchdown passes set in 1984.


Celtics lead Atlantic division after 91-74 rout of expansion Bobcats.


The Celtics were riding a two game winning streak when the Charlotte Bobcats visited them on Friday. The Celtics trounced the expansion team 91-74.

Ricky Davis led the Celtics with 19 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Even though Paul Pierce struggled with just 3-17 shooting, the Celtics were aided by their depth offensively, having 10 players contribute to scoring. Raef Lafrentz pulled down 10 rebounds. Boston is first in the Atlantic division at 3-2.