Maurice Clarett is not the poster boy for good behavior. He was sent to prison for three and a half years after pleading guilty to charges of aggravated robbery and carrying a concealed weapon. But Clarrett is the poster boy for second chances — at least that’s what his alma mater thinks.
Ohio State University is giving their former star running back another try at earning his bachelor’s degree. In 2002, he led the Buckeyes to a national title as a freshman, but in 2003, the school suspended him for filing a false police report. A year later, he lost a court battle when he tried to enter the NFL Draft prematurely. By 2005, he’d been drafted by the Denver Broncos only to be released before even stepping on the field.
But 2010 looks to be Clarett’s year to shine. He started classes Monday at the College of Education and Human Ecology, and based on a statement he released to the media, his fresh start seems to be going well.
“This is a surreal feeling to be back at Ohio State in such a supportive environment,” Clarett said in the statement. “I have looked forward to being back in school, and I’m doing my best to fit in with other students. I don’t want to be a distraction or nuisance to the football team or to students on campus.”
At 234 lbs. and nearly 6 feet tall, we doubt he’ll go unnoticed, but this time, we hope it’s for good grades.
Photo by Kla4067 via Flickr.