The Associated Press

COLUMBUS- NCAA investigators were in Columbus on Friday to interview a booster about giving an unspecified amount of money to Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith, athletic director Andy Geiger said.

Smith was suspended after the NCAA rules violation became known. He sat out the Alamo Bowl and may have to miss next season's opener Sept. 3 against Miami of Ohio.

The NCAA also is investigating allegations by former running back Maurice Clarett that coaches arranged for players to receive cash from boosters and players being paid for no-show jobs.

Geiger, who is retiring on June 30, said he had no idea of the investigation's timetable.

Geiger has said Robert Q. Baker, of Springfield, is being stripped of all ties to the university, including losing his share of a suite on the 35-yard-line in Ohio Stadium and barring him from purchasing tickets or having any contact with the football program.

Baker attorney James Savage told Columbus television station WBNS that Geiger did not discuss possible sanctions against Baker during the meeting. He said Baker told Geiger that he wants to answer any questions that Ohio State has so the university can resolve the matter.

Geiger told WBNS that the meeting was ''a very cordial, good exchange.''

The NCAA can't comment because the investigation is ongoing, spokesman Kent Barrett said.