History of Maurice Clarett in Timeline

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

October 29, 1983: Maurice Clarett's Birth

On October 29, 1983, Maurice Edward Clarett was born. He later became a professional football player.

Others born on this day/year

1995: Ahman Green's Season at Nebraska

In 1995, Ahman Green of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln became the first freshman to be the leading rusher on a national championship team, a feat that Clarett later achieved.

February 2002: Formal commitment to Ohio State Buckeyes

In February 2002, Clarett formally committed to play football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, choosing them over offers from Notre Dame, Fresno State, and the University of Miami.

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.

2002: Ohio State Season Start

In 2002, Clarett began playing for Ohio State, and during the 2002-2003 season, he rushed for 1,237 yards and scored 18 touchdowns.

2002: Tenth Anniversary

In November 2012, Ohio State celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the undefeated championship season of 2002.

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.

2003: Fiesta Bowl Winning Touchdown

In 2003, during the Fiesta Bowl, Clarett scored the winning touchdown against Miami with a five-yard run in the second overtime.

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.

July 28, 2005: Signed Four-Year Contract with Broncos

On July 28, 2005, Clarett signed a four-year contract with the Denver Broncos, giving up $413,000 of guaranteed money for an incentive-laden deal.

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.

December 2005: Talks with Steubenville Stampede

In December 2005, Clarett was in talks to play for the Steubenville Stampede in the American Indoor Football League, but he never signed with the team.

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: NFL Combine Preparation

In 2005, Clarett worked with trainers in preparation for the NFL Combine.

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.

January 2, 2006: Intention to sign with the NFL and allocation to NFL Europe

On January 2, 2006, it was reported that Clarett was going to sign with the NFL and was expected to be allocated to NFL Europe.

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 10, 2006: Columbus Dispatch Interview

On August 10, 2006, Jim Terry claimed in an interview with the Columbus Dispatch that Clarett attempted to call him minutes before the events of August 9 that led to Clarett's arrest.

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 30, 2010: Signing with Omaha Nighthawks

On August 30, 2010, Clarett signed with the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League.

October 1, 2010: First Game in Eight Years

On October 1, 2010, Clarett played his first meaningful game in eight years, rushing for 12 yards against the Sacramento Mountain Lions.

November 2012: Invitation to Ohio State Anniversary Celebration

In November 2012, Clarett was invited back to Ohio State to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the undefeated championship season of 2002.

2012: UFL Suspends Operations

In 2012, the United Football League, which Clarett played in, suspended operations.

May 17, 2013: Announcement of Rugby Debut

On May 17, 2013, it was announced that Clarett would make his rugby debut for the Columbus affiliate of Tiger Rugby at The Ohio Rugby Sevens Invitational.

May 25, 2013: Clarett Not Playing Rugby

On May 25, 2013, it was reported that Clarett would not play rugby with the Columbus affiliate of Tiger Rugby.

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.

December 2013: Featured in ESPN's "Youngstown Boys"

In December 2013, Maurice Clarett was featured in "Youngstown Boys", an ESPN 30 for 30 documentary. The documentary included interviews with family, friends, and associates.

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February 2014: Return to Ohio State University

In February 2014, Maurice Clarett was invited back to Ohio State University as part of a ceremony recognizing the National Championship team he played on and spoke to an audience discussing past troubles and his ongoing rehabilitation.

2016: Founded The Red Zone

In 2016, Maurice Clarett founded The Red Zone, a behavioral health agency in Youngstown, Ohio, providing mental health and addiction recovery services.

2018: Fundraiser for Joe Schiavoni

During the 2018 Ohio Gubernatorial election, Maurice Clarett headlined a political fundraiser for Democratic candidate Joe Schiavoni.

2018: Campaign Event with Mike DeWine

During the 2018 Ohio gubernatorial election, Maurice Clarett participated in a campaign event and panel discussion with Mike DeWine about improving education, workforce training, and recovery from addiction.

2018: The Red Zone Impact

In 2018, Youngstown City Schools reported that 283 students who received services from Maurice Clarett's 'The Red Zone' saw their GPA increase by an average of 16.5%.

2019: Consultant for University of Connecticut's Men's Basketball Program

In 2019, Maurice Clarett began working as a consultant for the University of Connecticut's Men's Basketball Program, mentoring players for up to three days each month.

2021: Consultant to Collegiate Athletic Departments

In 2021, Maurice Clarett worked as a consultant to collegiate athletic departments like the University of Connecticut, mentoring players and encouraging mental wellbeing.