Filed under: Football
"I am humbled by the opportunity the Omaha Nighthawks have given me and will dedicate myself on and off the field to prove that I can be a valuable member of the team and the Omaha community," Clarett said. "I am committed to working hard to earn the right for a second chance in football and more importantly in life."
Clarett is now 6-feet tall, 220 pounds, which makes him 10 pounds lighter than he was when he played at Ohio State. The coaches were astonished at his physical shape, giving him credit for keeping himself prepared. He is allowed to be out of the state for 30 days at a time, but his attorneys are hoping that a judge will rule that Clarett can leave the state for the entire football season. He is now 26-years old, meaning that he is at his physical peak.
Clarett was arguably the greatest freshman running back in the history of The Ohio State University. During his first season, he rushed for over 1,237 yards and scored 18 touchdowns. He was single-handedly responsible for helping the school win its first national championship in over 30 years, leading to a multi-million dollar payday for the university. Most astonishing about Clarett's success was that Ohio State has produced some of the top running backs in history, including Archie Griffin, the only player to ever win the Heisman Trophy more than once.
After being drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2005, Clarett was cut before the start of the regular season. That's when his life spiraled out of control, landing him in the penitentiary. Since that time, many have reported that Clarett appears to have his head on straight and is making good decisions. He even enrolled in school at Ohio State after being released from prison.
Ahman Green, a former star of the NFL, has agreed to mentor Clarett while he is in Nebraska. This guidance will be critical for Maurice as he moves forward with his career. It's hard to imagine that he doesn't have dreams of reclaiming the NFL glory that once eluded him when he was an Ohio State Buckeye. Sometimes, the second chance is the best one of all, since it makes you appreciate the opportunity.
I am glad to see that Clarett is pulling his life together. Ohio State is my alma mater, and I was incredibly disappointed with both Clarett and the university. Of course, we know that Maurice made some embarrassing mistakes, but the story that is not being told is the one regarding how the university painted Clarrett in a negative light in large part to draw attention away from the fact that the university itself was also violating NCAA regulations. Once Clarett began to deviate from the university's protocol,he was the target to be replaced by the next great black athlete the school could exploit for millions of dollars. The rapper E-40 said it best with his song, "They'll have a new ni**er next year." Ohio State and other universities like it are virtual factories of black male athletic exploitation.
Overall, Clarett must keep in mind the importance of making good decisions and avoiding the traps which capture black men all across America. He must realize that the talent with which he's been blessed doesn't give him an excuse for abandoning his humility and capacity for hard work. Even the greatest athletes in the world can end up in a life of hell without making good personal decisions.
Good luck Maurice and please remain humble. As a fellow Buckeye and your brother, I'll be rooting for you.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.