By Neil Schmidt
The Cincinnati Enquirer

COLUMBUS - Maurice Clarett's chances of reinstatement to Ohio State's team could be jeopardized by two potential failing grades, the Columbus Dispatch reported.

The sophomore tailback has been barred from attending a five-hour African-American studies class and is flunking a two-hour physical-education class, according to letters written to him by athletic director Andy Geiger and Julie D. Vannatta, a university attorney, that the Dispatch reviewed.

"We know that (the letters' release) did not come from anybody involved with the university," OSU spokesman Steve Snapp said. "We have notified Maurice's attorney how upset we are that the letters got out."

Geiger's letter, dated Oct. 29, said African-American studies class professor Viola Newton forbade him from continuing the course because he missed five classes and dozed off during a few others.

"The university and the professor view this behavior as disruptive, disrespectful and unacceptable," Geiger wrote.

Vannatta's letter warned that Clarett was flunking the phys-ed course. She encouraged him to drop both classes. Yet Geiger's letter said that by dropping the classes, Clarett would carry only enough credits to be considered a part-time student.

Percy Squire, an attorney for Clarett, said Friday that his client decided not to withdraw from the classes in question.

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E-mail nschmidt@enquirer.com