DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — Ohio State starting cornerback Donald Washington is still hoping to play in the national title game despite being suspended for violating team rules.

The Dayton Daily News has learned Washington is appealing his suspension, although it's not clear what the violations were. A ruling isn't expected until after Christmas.

Media outlets reported this week that Washington and backup cornerback Eugene Clifford were suspended from the game. OSU issued a statement Thursday confirming Clifford was banned from playing, but the school has been mum about Washington.

The player's father, also named Donald Washington, declined comment when reached on his cell phone.

The younger Washington, a third-year sophomore from Indianapolis, has had a solid season for the Buckeyes, and his absence would be a setback. Nickel-back Chimdi Chekwa, a redshirt freshman, has played extensively and could give the team a veteran presence at the position if Washington is out, but the Buckeyes don't have much depth after that.

Sophomore Andre Amos, who played in just one game this year after undergoing offseason knee surgery, could be pressed into action.

The OSU athletic department doesn't have a formal appeal process for suspended players. A school spokesman said appeals are handled internally by each team with input from a designated athletic administrator.

Athletic Director Gene Smith is the administrator for football.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or

dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.