The Associated Press

COLUMBUS - Suspended Ohio State tailback Maurice Clarett wants to play for the Buckeyes next season, even if he wins a lawsuit that would make him eligible for the NFL draft.

"I know he wants to play with Ohio State next season," his attorney, Percy Squire, said.

Squire explained Clarett always has wanted to return to the Buckeyes, but filed the lawsuit because he did not know whether he would be allowed to play for them again.

"The development of other options by Maurice has been a reaction to the impression that has been given that his return to Ohio State wasn't welcome," Squire said.

Attempts to leave a message at the home of Clarett's mother were unsuccessful because the voicemail was full.

Ohio State suspended Clarett from the team for the season, but not from school, for accepting improper benefits from a family friend and lying about it to investigators.

Clarett, who in 2002 helped Ohio State win the national championship, will be allowed to join the team for winter conditioning workouts next week.

But the university does not expect to contact the NCAA about possibly reinstating Clarett until after the spring quarter starts in late March, athletic department spokesman Steve Snapp said Friday.

The decision to let Clarett work out does not change his suspended status, Snapp said.

"There are certain criteria he has to meet before he can return," he said. "Now that the season is over, I think the plan always was to let him back for these (workouts)."

Clarett has been barred from workouts since his suspension was announced Sept. 10.

Clarett filed a federal lawsuit in New York on Sept. 23 challenging the NFL rule that says a player must be out of high school for at least three years before he can be eligible for the draft. Under that rule, the sophomore would have to wait at least one more season before entering the draft.

U.S. District Judge Shira A. Scheindlin said she hopes to rule on the case by Feb. 1.

Squire pointed out that a court win does not mean he will be allowed to enter the draft in April because the NFL could appeal the decision.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello declined comment. Clarett's attorney in the NFL case, Alan Milstein, said the NFL would have the right to appeal if the judge rules in Clarett's favor, but Clarett could be allowed to enter the draft and play pro ball during the appeals process.

Earlier this week, Clarett, accused of lying on a police report, avoided a criminal record by pleading guilty to a lesser charge that carries no jail time. He was fined $100 on a charge of failure to aid a law enforcement officer. Squire represented Clarett in that case.

Clarett was accused of filing a campus police report that exaggerated the value of items stolen from a dealership car he borrowed in April.

Key dates

Sept.  10, 2003: Clarett suspension from Ohio State football team is announced.

Sept. 23, 2003: Clarett files federal lawsuit challenging NFL rule that says a player must be out of high school for at least three years before he can be eligible for the draft.

Feb. 1, 2004: U.S. District Judge Shira A. Scheindlin is hoping to rule on Clarett's lawsuit.