Maurice Clarett is back on a football field; the former Ohio State star has signed with the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL.
View full sizeMaurice Clarett is back in football. The one-year sensation for Ohio State who was freed from prison after serving time for armed robbery has signed with the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL.Mike Florio, who writes for profootballtalk.com, said that Clarett had to earn his spot on the team and is getting no special recognition -- or treatment -- for his lone year of college heroics, in which he led Ohio State to the 2002 national championship.
We're told that the UFL's fifth franchise has agreed to terms with running back Maurice Clarett, a day after Clarett received a tryout with the Omaha Nighthawks.
The one-year Ohio State star last played football in January 2003. He was suspended by the Buckeyes for his sophomore season, and Clarett sued the NFL for the right to enter the 2004 draft. Despite initial success, he eventually lost both the case and any remaining college eligibility.
In 2005, the Broncos picked Clarett with the last selection in round three of the draft. He didn't survive the preseason roster cuts.
On January 1, 2006, Clarett allegedly was involved in two separate armed robberies. Later that year, a police chase ended with Clarett being Tasered and maced. He spent more than three years in prison after striking a plea deal, and he was released earlier this year.