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RB Maurice Clarett (B1G Freshman of the Year, National Champion)

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Ohio State deserves much blame over Clarett
Matt Killebrew

From a prince that would be king, to common criminal.
The saga of Maurice Clarett is one of best and most tragic examples of a young athlete who was allowed to corrupt himself by a shady college program.
A promising young running back who graduated from high school early ? after being named the Associated Press Mr. Football and USA Today's offensive player of the year for 2001 ? his future couldn't have been brighter.
He led the Buckeyes to their first national championship in 34 years during his freshman season (2002), but soon after, preferential treatment accusations by members of the Ohio State faculty were the spark that ignited a three-year blowup.
Over that time, Clarett was suspended from Ohio State for receiving "special benefits," he falsified a police report, accused OSU coach Jim Tressel and staff of arranging for him to pass classes and receive money for working a bogus summer job, and also embarked on an eight-month battle against the NFL to be eligible to enter the draft.
Clarett was denied entry into the draft, allegations against Ohio State were never found to be true, and when he was finally selected in the NFL draft by the Denver Broncos in 2005, he was cut in the preseason.
After being bounced from the NFL, he was accused of robbing two people of a cell phone at gunpoint in an alley on New Year's Day, followed by an arrest in August after a highway chase where Clarett was pepper-sprayed and found in possession of three hand guns and an AK-47.
On Monday, he pled guilty to aggravated robbery and carrying a concealed weapon on a plea bargain that will send him to prison for 3 1/2 years.
Clarett was allowed to pass a class after walking out on a midterm, he was given cars to "borrow" by local dealerships, he accepted thousands of dollars in benefits from a family friend, and was kicked out of school by ? a shady at best ? Ohio State athletic department.
What coaching staff worth its salt doesn't recognize its star player is driving around in luxury cars, never wears the same outfit twice and allows its players to walk out on exams without repercussion?
I'm not condoning Clarett's crimes by any means. There is never an excuse for that.
But I am saying an impressionable kid was led down the wrong path
 
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Re: Ohio State deserves much blame over Clarett

This is a bullshit statement. Clarett has only himself to blame. I guess along with his mother, his father (when he was around), Jim Brown, the Israeli mafia, other selected lawyers/advisors/boosters, and the rest of the "bad crowd" that he apparently hung around with. Ohio State and Jim Tressell gave him the "opportunity of a life" and tried to help him. I don't think that he ever took Andy Geiger or Jim Tressell's advice.
 
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Mr. Killebrew's article is highly flawed. One glaring error in his "facts" discredits the whole thing.

Maurice was never kicked out of school. He dropped out when returning to the was no longer plausible.

Killebrew is a moron and a hack.
 
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scooter1369;612501; said:
Mr. Killebrew's article is highly flawed. One glaring error in his "facts" discredits the whole thing.

Maurice was never kicked out of school. He dropped out when returning to the was no longer plausible.

Killebrew is a moron and a hack.


i just sent an email to everyone that i could find an email address for on that site, including the President, HR Director, Executive Editor, ect.
 
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Clarett Issues Written Apology To Robbery Victims

Former Ohio State Running Back Sentenced To Prison


COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Days after pleading guilty to aggravated robbery and weapons charges, a former Ohio State University football star returned to court to formally hear his sentence.Maurice Clarett reached a deal with prosecutors earlier this week. His attorney read a written letter of apology to the victims on Wednesday, NBC 4 reported.
"I want to express my sincere apology to Mr. Nayarko and Ms. Douglas for my inexcusable behavior on New Year's Day. I can assure them that I never intended to cause them harm in any way," he said.Under the deal, in which Clarett pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery with a gun and carrying a concealed weapon, he will be sentenced to seven and a half years in prison with an opportunity for early release after three and a half years, NBC 4 reported.Clarett's attorneys also negotiated a plea deal on charges he fled police officers in August."I hope that you take this opportunity to develop your whole self. You are certainly an outstanding athlete, but the court hopes you expand your abilities," said Franklin County Common Pleas Judge David Fais.The alleged incident occurred seven months after Clarett was accused of robbing two people outside the Opium Lounge, located at 346 S. High St.Police alleged that Clarett demanded property from Lucas Nyarko and Tywona Douglas "with a handgun in his presence, then got into a white SUV with two other unknown suspects and sped away."Earlier this month, Clarett was indicted on felony fleeing and weapons charges, stemming from an Aug. 9 incident in which he allegedly led police on a chase. When he was stopped, police used pepper spray on Clarett, who was allegedly carrying four loaded weapons inside his vehicle and was wearing a bulletproof vest.Police said they used Mace and a Taser gun to arrest Clarett after finding the weapons inside the SUV he was driving.
 
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Dispatch

Judge brings Clarett back to clarify plea

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Bruce Cadwallader
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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In a statement read by his attorneys, Maurice Clarett apologized to the victims in his aggravated-robbery case.


In an instant replay called from the bench, Maurice Clarett was called back into court yesterday where a judge made doubly sure that Clarett understood his rights before accepting his guilty pleas.
It didn?t change the outcome of Monday?s sentencing of the former Buckeye standout, but it gave Common Pleas Judge David W. Fais the chance to dot the "i" on unfinished business.
On Monday, and again yesterday, Clarett pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated robbery and one count of carrying a concealed weapon and was sentenced to 7? years in prison. He must serve at least 3? years before he can apply for judicial release.
Fais said he forgot to clarify Clarett?s appellate and constitutional rights on Monday and forgot to give him credit for 44 days he served in jail.
The plea redo was necessary to avoid an appeal. But it also gave Clarett?s attorneys a chance to read an apology into the record, even though Lucas Nyarko and Tywona Douglas, the victims of the aggravated robbery, were not in court.
Clarett?s statement, dated Tuesday, was read by attorney Michael C. Hoague:
"I want to express my sincere apology to Mr. Nyarko and Ms. Douglas for my inexcusable behavior on New Year?s Day. I can assure them that I never intended to cause them harm in any way. What I did was wrong and I accept my punishment.
"I also apologize to the prosecutor and the court for my crimes. I deeply regret what I did and accept full responsibility for my actions. I also want to apologize to my family, this community, my former teammates, coaches and everyone who I let down including my former fans and everyone I disappointed by my behavior.
"I look forward to putting this matter behind me and to showing the court and the community that I have learned from this terrible mistake and will strive to lead a law-abiding and productive life from here on out. I hope one day you will all find forgiveness in your heart for what I?ve done."
Fais responded, "I didn?t say this Monday, but I hope you take this time to do something positive. Your athletic skills are well known but you have some potential that goes far beyond your athletic skills.
"I hope you expand your abilities so you can become an active, productive citizen. I wish you luck."
Clarett admitted that he took a cell phone from Nyarko and tried to rob Douglas outside a S. High Street bar early on Jan. 1. Then, while free on bond, Clarett led police on a brief pursuit on the Far East Side on Aug. 9 when they tried to pull him over for erratic driving. Police found four loaded weapons, including an assault rifle, inside the sportutility vehicle.
A trial on all 12 charges was set to begin Monday when prosecutors offered Clarett one more chance for a plea agreement. [email protected]
 
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Ex-teammates show support for Clarett
By Jon Spencer
News Journal

COLUMBUS -- Ohio State senior Troy Smith said former teammate Maurice Clarett is in the quarterback's prayers.
Clarett, perhaps the biggest of stars on OSU's 2002 national championship team, will spend at least the next 3 1/2 years in prison after a plea arrangement on robbery and concealed weapons charges.
"I pray for him all the time," said Smith, who was Clarett's closest friend among the Buckeyes. "It's an unfortunate situation, but there's not much myself or my teammates can do about it. Every man chooses his path. It might not be a good one, but he has to live with his (decisions)."
Coach Jim Tressel was asked if he would describe Clarett's fall from grace as an athletic tragedy."From an athletic standpoint, he didn't reach his potential," Tressel said. "But I very seldom use the word athletics and tragedy. Maybe an injury might be tragic. Yeah, he had abilities athletically and those didn't get fully realized, but the good news is that maybe he'll take this time and really become the best he can possibly be."
On Monday, the day Clarett's aggravated robbery trial was to begin in Columbus, he was sentenced to 7 1/2 years, with release possible after 3 1/2 years, and five years of probation.
My feelings don't change any for him," Tressel said. "Like any situation that arises, if you'll take care of it, use it to grow, it's amazing what it can do for you. So my prayer is that he takes that time and creates a plan for his life and that he'll have a wonderful life."
 
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Clarett story is not tragic; he made his choices
Maurice Clarett was the biggest star when The Ohio State University won the 2002 national football championship.

After just one year with the Buckeyes, Clarett was the projected favorite to win the 2003 Heisman Trophy, awarded to the best college football player for the year. Some veteran sports journalists still claim he is the best college running back they have ever seen. A few say he could have been the best ever.

Maurice Clarett was certain to receive a multimillion-dollar National Football League contract. College scouts were described as drooling over Clarett?s quickness, strength, field vision and football instincts.

Instead, Clarett will spend at least 3 1/2 years in prison. On Monday, a judge sentenced Clarett to 7 1/2 years, with release possible after 42 months, and five years of probation after a plea agreement in two criminal cases. Some describe Clarett?s fall from grace as tragic. It is not.

Tragic is Korey Stringer?s demise. Tragic is Dave Dravecky?s story.

Clarett?s developments are better described as foolish. And therein lies the lessons for today?s high school athletes and their mentors.

All the talent in your class, all the adulation in your school, all the support in your community, all the prospects in the world, mean nothing without common sense, a level head and some moral fiber. This comes from within the athlete.

High school stars and those who play a role in their lives should remember the courtroom scene with Clarett?s mom standing in tears as her handcuffed son was carted off to prison. High school stars should remember the words when Clarett?s father described his anguish and regret. They should juxtapose the scarlet-and-gray-clad Clarett rambling over the Miami Hurricanes with the prison-garbed Clarett standing meekishly in front of his judge.
 
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What the hell's wrong with that article? It makes it seem as though MoC's problems are his own fault.

NOTE - when I posted in this thread, it was at the top of the forum list. From this point on, I'd be more than happy to see it drop like a rock.
 
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Maurice Clarett Shows Up Late For Prison Camp

September 21, 2006 |

COLUMBUS, OH?Former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett began his new career as an inmate with the Ohio state prison system by showing up over eight hours late for his first day at Chillicothe State Correctional Camp, a move that did not sit well with officials. "For a rookie in our system to start out like this is a big mistake, to put it mildly," said warden Samuel Gordon, who had been looking forward to overseeing the eight-year deal for aggravated assault Clarett plead guilty to on Tuesday. "Your best bet around here is to blend in, keep your head down, and toe the line at roll call and during cell searches. Act like you're above the law around here and you'll soon find out how wrong you are." Chillicothe management has already taken steps to curtail Clarett's undesirable behavior by assigning him to room with Curtis "Big Sweetie" McCulloch, a 12-year veteran known for his prowess in breaking in new recruits.
 
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