Maurice Clarett Looking for Early Release, Chance to Play Football

In 2002, Maurice Clarett was a freshman at Ohio State. He rushed for 1,237 yards in 11 games, averaged 5.6 yards per carry, and scored 18 touchdowns. He was also a big part in the Buckeyes' national championship victory over the Miami Hurricanes, scoring the winning touchdown in the second overtime.

But as the off-field incidents piled up, Clarett's star began to fade. He was suspended for the 2003 academic year for filing a false police report, and was later dismissed from school. The courts ruled that Clarett couldn't enter the NFL draft until three years after he graduated high school, which meant that he spent 2004 hanging out and getting fat.

When Clarett showed up at the 2005 Combine, he looked out of shape and his 4.82 40 time reinforced that the NFL wasn't his first priority. And then, inexplicably, the Broncos drafted Clarett in the third round. In news that surprised no one -- even Mike Shanahan, I'd imagine -- Clarett didn't make it out of training camp. A year later, he was arrested again, before eventually getting sentenced to 3 1/2 years in the big house for a laundry list of transgressions.

And now, the former Buckeyes star is looking for a pardon, reprieve or a commutation of his sentence. According to the AP: Clarett says the sooner he can be released, the sooner he can make a comeback, possibly in the NFL. He says he's heard from teams while he's been in prison.

I can't imagine he has a future in the NFL. Before he landed in prison, he couldn't make the Broncos as their third-round pick. Third-rounders aren't guaranteed roster spots, but it's seldom the case that they're cut in their inaugural training camps.

A more realistic option: the UFL. Even if Clarett's not in football shape (and why would he be?), he'd be a draw, at least initially. But first things first: Clarett has to be released, something Franklin County (Ohio) prosecutor Ron O'Brien opposes. But Clarett's attorney argues that there's a huge difference between trying to play in 2009 and 2010:

"Whether he is permitted to go in the summer of 2009 versus the summer of 2010 can make a huge difference," Squire said.

"We're talking a matter of months here, but it could have a huge impact on his ability to pursue a livelihood. Waiting another year could basically eliminate any opportunity for him to ever play."

Clarett has maintained a blog while in the joint, and he does sound contrite. Lock-up will have that effect on people. But even if he comes out prison better than he went in, his chances to earn a living as a professional athlete are slim, whether it's this year or next.