Don't know how many of you heard the interview with MoC by Herbstreit yesterday on 1460, but a few points I remember:
1) MoC has come to terms with what happened to him and where everything went wrong, and he repeatedly said, "It's all water under the bridge." He would not address any of the specific questions regarding any of the articles Tom Friend wrote, other than falling back to his old mantra, "I was just trying to clear my name." Honestly, I don't think MoC has ever read the Tom Friend article. MoC was more forthcoming on Wojo's 'One & Done' article from 2002, explaining that the picture of him throwing away his jersey was arranged by OSU SID Steve Snapp. According to MoC, Steve was actually the one MoC was throwing the jersey to, and he was told during the shoot that the shot would be framed as if he'd just finished a hard work out and was throwing his jersey in the laundry basket. MoC repeatedly admonished Wojo's article and still insists his intent was to play at OSU for at least three years.
2) If given the opportunity, Maurice would like to come to Columbus and sit down face-to-face with both Andy Geiger and Jim Tressel. Herbie suggested repeatedly that all MoC has to do is pick up the phone and call Tress, but Geiger likely wouldn't give MoC the time of day.
3) Asked if he has any regrets, MoC said he's most disappointed that he couldn't return to win at least the 2003 National Championship and Heisman Trophies. I thought this was the most telling part of the interview, because Maurice gave the 'company line' about national championships and really mumbled his way through it, but was he was very distinct and precise about the fact he did not win any Heisman Trophies -- that's eating him up inside.
4) MoC feels he's in good standing with his former teammates (personally, I cannot think of anyone who has taken MoC to task other than, maybe, Andy Groom) and MoC hopes that he is invited to special OSU events that involve the 2002 team -- dinners, banquets, anniversaries, etc ... MoC added that if he were invited to this year's Spring Game, he'd be here in a second (apparently he's not expecting any phone calls tomorrow afternoon).
5) Asked about his draft status, MoC simply said, "Hey, they say you're only as good as your last game ... well, I walked off the field National Champion!" Herbstreit laughed and said good answer, restating that the last time MoC played football he scored the game winning TD in the 2nd OT of the Fiesta Bowl.
