College Football
Notebook: Gambling part of Clarett case

By Seattle Times news services

	Maurice Clarett
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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State is investigating a report that a benefactor of Maurice Clarett was gambling while in daily contact with the star running back.

Athletic director Andy Geiger said yesterday that he was "obviously concerned" about the allegations against Bobby Dellimuti, who calls himself a father figure and friend of the Clarett family.

"We will look into this matter and will support and cooperate with any and all investigations," Geiger said.

Clarett was suspended last fall for accepting money from Dellimuti, who runs a catering business. Ohio State officials said Clarett also lied to university and NCAA investigators.

Cell-phone records obtained by ESPN.com show that Dellimuti made 27 calls during the Buckeyes' national-title season in 2002 to a prominent sports book in Costa Rica, SBG Global.

Ten of those calls were made in the three weeks leading up to Ohio State's Fiesta Bowl victory over Miami. The records do not show what type of gambling activity took place, including whether Dellimuti was betting on Ohio State games.

Ohio State coach Jim Tressel declined to address the allegations at a news conference yesterday.

Clarett set freshman records for rushing (1,237 yards) and touchdowns (16) as the Buckeyes went 14-0 and won their first national title since the 1968 season.

Tressel said he has not eliminated the possibility that Clarett could return to play for the Buckeyes this season. Clarett is not attending conditioning sessions with his former teammates.
Clarett's federal lawsuit challenges the NFL's draft rules, which state that a player must be out of high school three years before he can be eligible for the draft. A decision is expected to be announced within the next two weeks.

Miami recruit faces battery charges

MIAMI — Willie Williams, rated the second-best player in the nation by SuperPrep, is being investigated after three criminal complaints were filed against him following a recruiting visit to the University of Florida last weekend.

Williams signed to play for Miami during national signing day yesterday.

Williams is accused of misdemeanor battery in two incidents and a felony by discharging fire extinguishers. He could face up to a year in jail for each misdemeanor.

"Sure it concerns us," Miami coach Larry Coker said during his signing-day news conference. "We'll look into it, but we'll see what the attorneys say and we'll see what all the allegations are out there."

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