Clarrett

[rickg15]

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Former Ohio State star tailback Maurice Clarett was indicted on charges of robbing two people behind a bar and carrying a concealed weapon, a prosecutor said Friday.

Clarett is accused of flashing a gun and demanding property from a man and a woman early Jan. 1. Police said he got into a sport utility vehicle with two men after he was identified by the bar owner, who happened to come out into the alley.

No one was injured, and only a cell phone was taken, police said.

Clarett, who led Ohio State to the 2002 national championship, was charged with two counts of aggravated robbery and four lesser robbery counts, Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien said.

He only would be sentenced on two robbery charges if convicted, but O'Brien said the extra counts are "backup charges" to give a jury options.

If convicted of the two most serious armed robbery charges, he would face up to 26 years in prison.

Clarett's attorney, William Settina, said he might issue a statement later Friday. He refused to discuss details of the case.

Clarett, 22, was sought by police for almost two days before he turned himself in about the time the Buckeyes were completing a win over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 2. He posted $50,000 bond and was released from jail.

Clarett rushed for 1,237 yards and scored 16 touchdowns as an Ohio State freshman in 2002.

His final touchdown, in the second overtime of the Fiesta Bowl, gave the Buckeyes a 31-24 upset of top-ranked Miami for the national title.

The prosecutor urged the two people who were reportedly with Clarett in the SUV to come forward. Authorities are continuing to search for them and have not identified them, O'Brien said. They could face charges of being accomplices.

[Nate]

Not looking good for MoC right now. All the talent in the world and he pissed it all away. Sad.

[Dave5]

He thought he was above College ball.  I would never say I wish he never would have came to Ohio State because we would not have won a National Title without Mo Clarrett.  But think about this, if he would have stayed all 4 years.  In 2003 we would have probably been back in the National Title game.  I think he would have been the difference maker in that night game at Wisconsin, however I don't think he would have made a difference in the Michigan game up at Ann Arbor that year.  That one win would have put us at 11-1 instead of 10-2.  LSU and Oklahoma both made it to the National Championship game that year with 1 lose, we would have been right in the mix.  We crushed #17 Washington, #22 NC State team lead by Phillip Rivers, Plus being the returning National Champs I believe we would have been back in it.  Then imagine if he was playing for this season’s team.  There is not doubt he would have helped us beat Texas, Penn State and USC.  I know I'm wishful thinking, but hey it is the off season and it gives us something to talk about.  One thing I did not like was when he robbed those people the National News media said former Ohio State Running back is wanted for robbery.  Now I know he was a buckeye, but when Denver drafted him in the 3rd round I believe we washed our hands of Mo Clarrett.  He is their problem know, they should have said former Denver Running Back.  

By the way, This sucks how long until the start of next season?

[Nate]

I don't think MoC would have been around long enough to be a part of last years team but I echo your thoughts on the 03 season Dave. He probably would have been the difference maker. And the 04 season could have had a different outcome as well if we'd have had a running game all season.

It's a shame, if he would have just shut his mouth and played football for 3 years he could have arguably won a heisman and been a top 5 pick in the draft.

[Sarge]

He wanted to be a punk. Now he's a punk. Heck with him!  

[sgtschulze]

What's the latest on Mo?? Is he auditioning for a role in "The Replacements 2" or just rotting in jail?

[Nate]

I haven't heard anything.  He hasn't been in the news recently.  

[SouthernHawk]

This guy was a moron.  He kind of reminds me of OJ Simpson, but not quite there yet.  Hopefully, he doesn't go that far.

It's a shame, he was such a great player, but really hurt himself when he thought he was bigger than the football teams that wanted him.  I really hope that he gains 100 pounds and is somewhere in a tiny room with a guy named "Bubbah".

Unfortunately, all teams have players or ex-players like this guy.  Iowa had a guy not too long ago that graduated from the U of I, and was on the police force in LA, and shot an ex-Air Force pilot, because he was Mexican.

[mjp28]

Some still unconfirmed reports he was contacted to play indoor football in the Youngstown area.

The GM/owner is a bit of a flake, bad reputation, the whole bit.

Well if he doesn't get MC there's always OJ or Tyson.

[OhioStateJeff]

He did sign with the Youngstown Hitmen - which is fitting for him being a Thug. On a side note I heard  that the reason he mugged the people on New Years Eve was someone had taken a camera phone picture of him doing drugs in the bathroom... which explains a lot. It is a shame that a talented player took the route of destruction off the field - instead of on the field.

Some still unconfirmed reports he was contacted to play indoor football in the Youngstown area.

The GM/owner is a bit of a flake, bad reputation, the whole bit.

Well if he doesn't get MC there's always OJ or Tyson.