HOUSTON, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said Friday the league would defend its current draft eligibility rule despite a challenge by Ohio State's Maurice Clarett.
A judge is expected to rule soon on the challenge of the NFL's rules filed by Clarett, the Ohio State sophomore running back who was suspended by the school for accepting extra benefits.
The NFL rules say that a player must be three years removed from high school to be eligible for the draft. The league argues that the rules are part of its collective bargaining agreement and exempt from antitrust laws.
Tagliague said the league was not negotiating with Clarret's's agent for a possible settlement.
"We have had no discussions with any of his (Clarett's) representatives because we believe it is a direct point in terms of what the rule is," Tagliabue said.
Tagliabue's remarks came at his annual pre-Super Bowl news conference.
