I suppose I could write about how the White Sox and the Cubs are both competing for spots in October.

But that would be too easy.

I could talk about the atrocity called the Chicago Bears who attempt to pose as a professional football team.

But it would be uglier than John Shoop's offense scheme.

So here we have the topic of discourse for this week: Maurice Clarett.

Last week, the sophomore running back was suspended by Ohio State for at least one season for violating NCAA bylaws concerning benefits for athletes and for lying to investigators. The latter charge is a misdemeanor. Also, Ohio State is investigating charges that athletes received improper assistance in the classroom as well.

Clarett burst onto the scene last season as a true freshman, rushing for 1,237 yards and 18 TDs, leading Ohio State to an undefeated season and a national championship.

The most recent development includes what was really a foregone conclusion. Clarett announced his intention of challenging the NFL rule, which states that a player must be at least three years removed from high school before being eligible for the NFL draft. NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has already stated his opinion on the matter.

"I think it would be better if he stayed in school."

Another foray Clarett could explore is the Canadian Football League. He would not have to go through litigation to play professionally in Canada, after which he could maneuver his way back to NFL stadiums whenever he felt ready. However, Montreal Alouettes GM Jim Popp had this to say about Clarett's status.

"I'm a true believer that all players should try to get a college education," Popp said this past Thursday, one day after the announcement of the suspension. Furthermore, Popp made it clear that even if Clarett decides to make a transition, the CFL will not be contacting him.

Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel has also stressed to media and fans that their 17 game winning streak has no plans to cease anytime soon, even without Clarett.

"The coaching staff and the team is resolved to the fact that we don't have him and that we won't have him," stressed head coach Jim Tressel.

Even Clarett's boy, LeBron James, told him to weather the storm, and that he has been through such tribulations before.

But even LeBron looks like a saint next to Clarett.

Clarett most likely will not play in the CFL, because the salary only comes out to a measly $36,000 a year, running on the worst Astroturf on the planet. I doubt that he will transfer to another Division I-A school because he would have to be out of football for at least two scholarship years, which would diminish his draft chances.

At this moment, Ohio State does not want Clarett, the CFL does not want him, and the NFL does not want him either. I feel absolutely no sympathy for him or his family.

Last year he was essentially a clueless freshman who happened to have enormous football talent. This talent has yet to be cultivated to its fullest extent, and now nobody is willing to accept Clarett.

It was also reported on ESPN this past weekend that Clarett was never really a true member of the team spirit last year in Columbus. He was a special player that did not really coalesce with his teammates. He did not revel in the last-minute drama with his teammates like other members. He seemed to be consulting his personal agenda for how his sentiment towards the team should be.

This report does not shock me at all, seeing as how the Buckeyes managed to win games last season when Clarett was injured. They have continued their winning ways this season even without Clarett.

It sounds like someone was waving the green of dollar bills in Clarett's eyes as he got bigger and bigger in the college sports domain. He got enticed into accepting gifts, and then he believed he could escape the wrath of NCAA investigators by fabricating police reports. He is still a kid by our world's standards, only 18 years of age, a mere baby boy. He is a boy who made a man's mistake, and now he must face the consequences. Essentially, he got caught being a celebrity instead of being a student-athlete.

It is quite likely that Clarett treated the Buckeyes' program as a stopover on his way to the NFL, that he really does not have any intention of fulfilling any degree requirements. The time that he spends at Ohio State could very well be just filler for the next phase of his professional football career. He might as well make this time the grandest and largest stage possible so he can be exposed to every NFL guru. I would not want to play with a player who was relatively explicit in his lukewarm sentiment towards the team and the program through his actions. This may explain the dissension among other Ohio State players and Clarett.

Clarett will probably only face probation for his misdemeanor charge. He will probably be fined and have to attend community service. He may even win the court case against the NFL and enlist his name in the NFL draft. But no one can realistically predict his next move. Frankly, concerning his track record, I really don't want to either.

Ashley John is a senior in materials science and engineering. He can be reached at sports@dailyillini.com.