Former Ohio State star did not speak in the courtroom. OSU coach Jim Tressel sent a letter to the judge asking him to grant the request. Clarett served 3 1/2 years in prison for a hidden gun and holding up two people outside a bar.
Maurice Clarett (13) with Ohio State in 2002.Columbus, Ohio -- Maurice Clarett is one step closer to returning to football.
Clarett received permission Wednesday to leave Ohio to try out for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He appeared before Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge David Fais.
Looking fit and relaxed in a gray suit, purple dress shirt and dark purple tie, the 26-year-old former Ohio State star did not speak in the courtroom. Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, however, sent a letter to Fais asking the judge to grant the request.
Clarett served 3½ years in prison for a hidden gun and holding up two people outside a bar.
(Note: Clarett, from Warren Harding High School, was the star running back on Ohio State's 2002 national championship team)
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An Associated Press report from Columbus on Monday, Aug. 23 follows:
Former Ohio State Maurice Clarett is asking a judge to allow him to travel to try out with a football team.
Clarett pleaded guilty in 2006 to aggravated robbery and carrying a concealed weapon and served 3 1/2 years in a Toledo prison. He is attending classes at Ohio State while living in a detention facility in Columbus.
Tim Jackson, bailiff for Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge David Fais, said Monday that Clarett's attorney had filed a motion asking for Clarett to be allowed to travel. A review was tentatively set up for later in the day.
TV station WSYX reported on its website Monday that Clarett wanted to try out for the Nighthawks of the United Football League.
Clarett's attorney, Michael Hoague, did not immediately return a phone call.