Football
Ross Cleared of Wrongdoing; Back with Buckeyes
By John Porentas

Buckeye tailback and team captain Lydell Ross endured a two-week suspension after a complaint was filed by a local night spot that Ross had passed counterfeit tokens in that club in payment for services.

Ross was restored to the team last week, but was not allowed to play until his legal situation was settled. According to Ross, he met with police last Tuesday, and after giving his side of the story, no charges have been filed or will be filed.

Ross has been cleared legally, but admits to having made a bad decision to be in the club in the first place.

"To be honest it's been very difficult. I do admit that I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but that was it. That's all I had to do with it," said Ross.

"It was definitely a reality check. Even if you've done nothing wrong, things can happen to you that you don't want."

Ross said he has paid a price for what he sees as an indiscretion.

"I was embarrassed, because I let my team down. Being a captain and being a leader and being a guy who these young guys look up to, I was embarrassed with what I did and where I was and paid the price," he said.

"Not being able to play was very difficult. I've traveled to every game since I've been here. Sitting home and watching the game on T. V. was very difficult."

There was some public sentiment that Ross should be relieved of his captaincy, but his coaches and teammates have stood by him throughout the entire episode.

"I'm very grateful for my coach and teammates keeping me a captain here. It was an honor when they elected me," he said.

Ross is expected to share the rushing duties this weekend with Maurice Hall and Brandon Joe.

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