Despite the uncertainty surrounding the length of Ohio State's recommended suspension of Maurice Clarett, the Buckeyes' star tailback could be leaning toward a single option: remaining at OSU, no matter how severe the final penalty.

Family friend and "consultant" Jim Brown, who spoke with Clarett twice Friday, said he told the Ohio State sophomore to accept whatever punishment he receives for his part in any extra benefits or academic-related violations.

"If he plays one game [this season], play it the hardest he can play it," said the former Cleveland Browns running back, who has spoken daily with Clarett and Clarett's mother since early August. "Swallow it [the suspension] like a man, stand up, represent yourself, choose your best option. You have another year.

"To me that would be the way to do it. I think it would show a lot of people, [I] think it would be inspirational."

Brown said he believes Clarett's mother shares those sentiments and is encouraging her son to follow the NFL Hall of Famer's advice.

Earlier Friday Ohio State athletic director Andy Geiger announced that the school recommended to the NCAA that Clarett receive a "multiple game" suspension. According to Brown, even the Claretts do not know exactly what that means.

"I don't think they can factually say that they know [the length of the suspension]," Brown said. Whatever the number of missed games, Brown said he has strongly encouraged Clarett not to pursue a professional playing career in Canada or challenge the NFL's early entry rule. On Thursday, Brown had said an "unreasonable" or too harsh of punishment might force Clarett to leave Ohio State. That now appears to be less of a likelihood, though Brown made it clear that Clarett will leave Ohio State for the NFL after his junior season.

"Whatever mistake he's made, he's regretted," Brown said. "But nobody knows. Is he going to be out of football? Out 10 games? Eight games? Can he practice?

"[The Claretts] are going to abide by the rules," he said. "Then there's only one year left after this year."

Brown said Clarett was ecstatic about rejoining his team for Sunday's upcoming practice. At the very least, he will miss the Buckeyes' season opener against Washington the following Saturday at Ohio Stadium, as well as the Sept. 6 game against San Diego State. His absence could have an impact on OSU's ability to defend its national championship, and would severely affect, if not end, his Heisman Trophy candidacy.

"We're all in a position of waiting until the powers that be decide the fate of this young man," Brown said. "There's nothing he can do, other than practice, keep his mind together, keep his sanity.

"I think he could have thrown in the towel. He could have said, 'The hell with it.' That's one option. But the kid likes the school. He'd like to play college football."

Gene Wojciechowski is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine.