Challenges Faced by Maurice Clarett: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 7, 2025

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Maurice Clarett. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Maurice Clarett is a former American football player, primarily known for his brief but impactful college career at Ohio State. As a freshman, he played a key role in the Buckeyes' national championship victory. He then unsuccessfully challenged the NFL's draft eligibility rules which prevented him from entering the draft early. Despite initial high expectations, his professional career was short-lived, including a stint with the Denver Broncos after being drafted in the third round and later with the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

December 2002: Criticism of OSU Officials

In December 2002, Clarett publicly criticized Ohio State University officials for not paying for him to fly home for a friend's funeral.

2002: Early Battles with Depression and Alcoholism

As early as 2002, Clarett battled depression and alcoholism.

July 2003: Academic Scandal

In July 2003, Clarett was at the center of an academic scandal when a teaching assistant claimed he received preferential treatment and did not attend classes at Ohio State.

September 10, 2003: Suspension from Ohio State

On September 10, 2003, Clarett was suspended for the 2003 season at Ohio State.

2004: Legal Challenge to NFL Draft Rules

In 2004, Clarett challenged the NFL's rule requiring players to wait three years after high school graduation to enter the draft. A federal judge initially ruled in Clarett's favor, but the decision was later overturned.

2004: Lawsuit to Enter NFL Draft

In 2004, after his dismissal from Ohio State, Clarett sued to be included in the NFL Draft.

February 2005: NFL Combine Performance

In February 2005, Clarett participated in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. He ran a disappointing 40-yard dash, and was referred to as "Slow-Mo" by the sports media.

August 28, 2005: Release from the Denver Broncos

On August 28, 2005, Clarett was released from the Denver Broncos after disappointing performances and incidents with coaches. He never played a down in the NFL.

2005: Drafted by Denver Broncos

In 2005, Clarett was drafted by the Denver Broncos with the final pick of the third round (#101 overall), despite some experts predicting he would be drafted much later or not at all. However, he struggled during preseason training camp.

2005: Draft Eligibility Blocked

In 2005, the NFL blocked Clarett from entering the draft before 2005 and the NCAA refused to reinstate his college eligibility, after signing with agents.

January 1, 2006: Police Search for Clarett

On January 1, 2006, police announced that they were searching for Clarett in connection with two armed robberies outside the Opium Lounge dance club in Columbus. He allegedly stole a cell phone valued at $150.

February 10, 2006: Indictment on Aggravated Robbery Charges

On February 10, 2006, Clarett was indicted by a Franklin County grand jury on two counts of aggravated robbery with gun specifications and other charges, potentially facing up to 25 years in prison.

February 22, 2006: Not Guilty Plea and Release on Bail

On February 22, 2006, Clarett pleaded not guilty to aggravated-robbery charges and was released on $20,000 bail.

July 26, 2006: Firing of Lawyers

On July 26, 2006, Clarett fired his lawyers, William Settina and Robert Krapenc, shortly before his trial date due to unpaid fees and lack of cooperation.

August 9, 2006: Bond Increased

On August 9, 2006, Judge David Fais increased Clarett's bond to $1.1 million due to Clarett's arrest earlier that morning.

August 11, 2006: Additional Status Hearing and Trial Delay

On August 11, 2006, Judge Fais held an additional status hearing, delayed the trial until September 18, 2006, revoked the $1.1 million bond, and ordered Clarett to undergo a mental health evaluation.

September 18, 2006: Trial delayed until September 18, 2006

On September 18, 2006, Judge Fais delayed the trial.

April 7, 2010: Early Release and Entry into Halfway House

On April 7, 2010, Judge Fais granted Clarett early release and ordered him to enter Maryhaven, a halfway house in Columbus, for up to six months.

August 23, 2010: Release from Halfway House

On August 23, 2010, Clarett was released from a halfway house.

August 2013: Promoting Medicaid Expansion

In August 2013, Maurice Clarett joined mental health advocates in Ohio to promote the expansion of Medicaid, drawing from his personal experiences with depression.