Ohio booster being interviewed by NCAA investigators

Friday, January 21st 2005, 6:43 am

By: News On 6

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) _ NCAA investigators were in Columbus on Friday to interview Ohio State booster Robert Q. Baker about giving an unspecified amount of money to quarterback Troy Smith, athletic director Andy Geiger said.

Smith was suspended after the NCAA rules violation became known and sat out the Alamo Bowl game and may have to miss next season's opener of Sept. 3 against Miami University.

The NCAA also is investigating allegations by former running back Maurice Clarett that coaches arranged for players to receive cash from boosters and players being paid for no-show jobs.

Geiger, who is retiring on June 30, said he had no idea of the investigation's timetable.

Geiger has said Baker, of Springfield, is being stripped of all ties to the University, including losing his share of a suite on the 35-yard-line in Ohio Stadium and barring him from purchasing tickets or having any contact with the football program.

Smith has said he would cooperate in the investigation.