Ohio St. Buckeyes running back Jaamal Berry has been hit with a lawsuit which accuses him of attacking a 21-year-old man who sustained injuries to his head, face, neck, back and hand that required medical treatment on Friday.

The plaintiff has chosen "John Doe" status because he fears retaliation and is seeking at least $25,000 in compensatory and punitive damages.

The lawsuit consists of two counts: Assault and battery, and ethnic intimidation. The plaintiff alleges that Berry, who is black, yelled vulgarities at him before the attack and bragged to an independent witness after the attack that, "I just (expletive) up a white kid."

This would be different than the fight Berry got into on Wednesday, which is being investigated as misdemeanor assault.

Ohio State coach Luke Fickell said, "The legal process is going to take its time, and we’re going to go with that. That’s all we can do as a team and a program right now. Legal issues-wise, we’ve got nothing from the prosecutor."

Berry's status is on hold for this weekend's game against Wisconsin.

Berry has five touches for 19 yards this season.

For more on the Buckeyes, visit Ohio State blog Along The Olentangy and Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire.