The freshman running back passed African-American and African Studies 101 by taking two oral exams, Paulette Pierce, an associate professor, told the newspaper. She said she worked directly with Clarett and administered the exams after he walked out of the course's midterm exam during the fall semester.

It wasn't clear whether Clarett received special consideration, or whether university or NCAA rules were broken. Clarett, who helped lead the Buckeyes to the national championship, did not respond to the newspaper's requests for an interview.

Pierce also said several football players told her that tutors occasionally wrote their papers, but she had no direct proof.

"We are shocked and dismayed by the allegations," university president Karen Holbrook and athletic director Andy Geiger said in a statement last night. "We have a rigorous system of checks and balances in place to prevent the kind of misconduct that is charged."

Holbrook and Geiger called a news conference for today to answer questions about the allegations.

NCAA spokesman Jeff Howard declined comment yesterday.