There have been reports from numerous sources and media outlets, including this one, that Ohio State had suspended defensive backs Donald Washington and Eugene Clifford for the BCS National Championship game.

Thursday the university confirmed that OSU coach Jim Tressel had, indeed suspended Clifford for violating team rules.

"Ohio State defensive back Eugene Clifford has been suspended from preparations for the Buckeyes' BCS championship game with LSU in New Orleans Jan. 7," a statement released by The Ohio State University said.

"He was suspended by head coach Jim Tressel for a violation of team rules and will not play in the BCS championship game."

There was no word in the statement as to the status of Washington, who started all 12 games at cornerback for the Buckeyes this season.

However, an Ohio State spokesperson told BuckeyeGrove.com that Clifford will be the only player suspended for the title game, meaning Washington will be out there lined up across from Malcolm Jenkins on Jan. 7.

This is big news for OSU, as Washington has been a big part of their success on defense all season long. He tied for seventh on the team with 34 total tackles this season. He also recorded a sack, forced a fumble and returned an interception 70 yards for a touchdown.

Clifford was the biggest signing for the Buckeyes in 2007 on the defensive side of the ball. The four-star prospect from Cincinnati Colerain high school was the No. 4 safety in the Rivals.com class of '07.

After moving to corner this fall, Clifford played in four games this season and recorded eight tackles, but spent much of the year in the coaches dog house.

He was listed as the backup to Jenkins in the official depth chart released by OSU, but the staff at BuckeyeGrove had been told by the coaching staff that Clifford was behind Andre Amos at the corner position.

The Buckeyes are off for the holidays but they will be back on the practice field Dec. 26 for seven days before flying to New Orleans on Jan. 2.