Despite allegations that may jeopardize Maurice Clarett's NCAA eligibility, the Ohio State running back has no immediate plans to turn pro.

Clarett watches practice

Suspended running back Maurice Clarett briefly watched his Ohio State teammates practice Thursday before he worked out in the weight room. Clarett is not practicing with the defending national champions because of investigations by the NCAA and a university committee, but he is still allowed to attend practice. "We're not requiring him to be there. He's certainly free to stop by," coach Jim Tressel said Wednesday. "He is not suspended from being on the grounds, if you will, but he's not taking part in any activities, meetings or practices, that type of thing." Clarett watched practice for four or five minutes Thursday before working out at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, athletic department spokesman Steve Snapp said. He said Clarett's appearance was not a sign that the player is closer to being reinstated to the team. -- The Associated Press

Clarett told ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit on Thursday that he does not intend to challenge the NFL's eligibility rules or play in the CFL. Clarett told Herbstreit that he simply wants a quick resolution to the NCAA investigation so that he can rejoin his Buckeye teammates.

Clarett first admitted he thought about leaving Ohio State early for the NFL in an October, 2002 ESPN The Magazine story.

"Do I think about it?" Clarett said in The Magazine about challenging the NFL's rule. "It's got to go through your head, man. It's got to go through your head. I'm not saying it's something I will do. I'm not saying it's something I won't do."

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reported earlier this month Clarett began investigating his NFL potential and the possibility of overturning the league's draft eligibility rules long before the NCAA even began investigating him.

Three prominent player agents, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Pasquarelli that they had spoken to either Clarett or a member of his family about both issues. The discussions took place in the spring, with two agents recalling that the timing was March or April.

Such contact, even by Clarett himself, would not violate NCAA rules. Players can discuss their futures with agents, or any number of issues, as long as there is neither a written nor verbal agreement for formal representation. All three agents acknowledged Clarett made it clear he was not seeking representation.

A 10-member university committee is investigating a teaching assistant's claim that Clarett walked out of a midterm exam last fall and later passed the course by taking an oral exam.

He is under investigation by the NCAA for use of a 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo that was broken into while on overnight loan from a car dealership. In a police report, Clarett said he had lost more than $6,000 in clothing, cash and stereo equipment in the theft. He later acknowledged that he had exaggerated his losses to police.

In recent weeks the Columbus Dispatch reported that the NCAA might be looking into Clarett's dealings with Cleveland Cavaliers rookie LeBron James, Clarett's friend and the No.1 pick in this year's NBA draft.

"It's hard on anyone if they don't get to be a part of the group," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. "I know he would rather be here, that's for sure. I know he plans on being here. That's certainly his goal."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.