Maurice Clarett on the road to redemption
A decade ago, Maurice Clarett probably would have scoffed at the notion of playing in the United Football League. But the running back, who just finished up a 3 ½ year prison stint earlier this year, is reshaping his life and has been playing for the UFL’s
Omaha Nighthawks.
"In January 1 was in prison, and now I’ve completed a professional football season," the 27-year-old told
The Associated Press on Friday 19 November. "I would absolutely say I could never, ever have thought of being at this place. It’s a blessing from God, and I take it that way."
After signing on with the Nighthawks, Clarett has seen his workload increase as he continues to get back into football shape, further aided by an injury to Omaha’s primary ball carrier, Ahman Green. On the season, Clarett has amassed 85 rushing yards on 25
attempts, complimenting his 11 catches for 92 yards.
What started out as a promising career for Clarett quickly spiralled out of control. As a freshman, the running back led the Ohio State Buckeyes to the 2002 BCS (Bowl Championship Series) national championship. Prior to his sophomore season, however, he was
ruled ineligible by the NCAA for receiving improper benefits.
Clarett then attempted to enter the NFL, attempting to bypass a league rule that mandated that any player must be three years removed from high school to be eligible for the league’s draft.
He eventually lost that decision in court. Then, in 2006, Clarett pled guilty to charges of aggravated robbery and carrying a concealed weapon, subsequently resulting in the aforementioned prison sentence.
"Anytime you have a period of that much isolation, and you reflect on your life and the decisions that brought you to the place you’re at, it’s going to do one of two things. You’re going to stay stuck in the same place or you’re going to evaluate and figure
out how to get better. In my case, I had responsibility. I had a daughter. I decided to grow up and accept responsibility for the things I’ve done and move forward."
Clarett asserts that the key for him now is to stay grounded. "I just deal with the reality of my situation. I pretty much don’t get ahead of myself."
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