By Neil Schmidt
The Cincinnati Enquirer

COLUMBUS - Robert Reynolds said it was a momentary loss of poise that led to his attack of Wisconsin quarterback Jim Sorgi, for which the Ohio State linebacker has been suspended for one game.

Reynolds asked to speak Tuesday at OSU's weekly news conference to explain the incident, in which he choked Sorgi after a tackle.

"I'm not a violent person," Reynolds said. "I just got carried away out there during the game. ... I lost my poise ... and I regret it."

Reynolds said he didn't realize the impact of his action, which prevented Sorgi from returning, during the game. He also said he has been bothered by the perception he is a dirty player.

"It's affected my family, and that's the last thing I want to do, is do anything to harm them," he said. "I'm positive that this will never happen again and is definitely not in my character to do this."

Reynolds had acquired a reputation for physical play.

In the Fiesta Bowl last season, he was seen on TV replays twisting the ankle of Miami tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. after a tackle. Reynolds also was flagged twice for late hits.

Reynolds, a senior, ranks second on the team in tackles with 41. Coach Jim Tressel said sophomore Bobby Carpenter will start in Reynolds' spot against Iowa.

CLARETT CLARIFICATION: An attorney for suspended OSU running back Maurice Clarett held a news conference to clarify that his client is not suing the university, as had been widely reported last weekend, but instead is asking a judge to fine OSU at least $2.5 million for violating his federally protected student privacy rights.

Percy Squire said the action that he and partner Lloyd Pierre-Louis initiated Friday in U.S. District Court isn't about the money, which he said would go to Clarett for damages to his reputation and career. Squire said it is aimed at contesting the misdemeanor charge Clarett faces in Franklin County Municipal Court for falsification of a police report. "The No. 1 priority is for this guy not to have a criminal record," Squire told reporters.

Squire filed a motion asking the judge to intervene based on a past court order that protects a student's disciplinary records from being made public. He contends that no charges would have been filed had the city attorney's office not been given information gained by OSU and the NCAA during their investigation of his amateur status.

GAME TIME: OSU's game Oct. 25 at Indiana will have a noon kickoff.