Hitmen GM still waiting for word

Jim Terry has his detractors, but he's also generated a lot of publicity for the team.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
Mahoning Valley Hitmen GM Jim Terry, who made national headlines this week by claiming he has a verbal commitment from Maurice Clarett, said the former Ohio State standout will sign a contract with his team by 1:30 p.m. today.
"It's a done deal," said Terry.
Terry had hoped to have a deal in place by Friday afternoon and set an 8 p.m. deadline on Saturday for Clarett's attorney, David Kenner.
A press conference is scheduled for Thursday. Clarett was not available for comment and Terry's critics claim that no such deal exists, that it is a stunt to gain publicity for the new team, which is scheduled to begin play in January.
"People have been blasting us," said Terry. "What are those people going to do when they see Clarett in front of us at a press conference on Thursday."
Made few enemies
Terry, a 1995 Mooney High graduate who played Division II college football and one arena2 league game, has a complicated past. As the former head of the Athlete Recruiting Service, he's made a few enemies among high school coaches in Florida who say he's made promises to athletes that he can't keep.
He's held pay-for-play all-star games during recruiting dead periods when NCAA Division I and II coaches are not allowed to watch. He's sometimes chosen flash over substance -- a few years back, Terry tried to organize an XFL-esque high school all-star game at Boardman High School -- and exaggerated his recruiting service's influence.
But the controversies can be viewed as he said/she said arguments.
Tate has no complaints
Fitch High graduate Davanzo Tate, who now plays at the University of Akron, played in one of Terry's all-star games. Tate had already committed to West Virginia when he played in the game -- he transferred to Akron after one season -- so it didn't affect his college prospects. He had no complaints about Terry.
"I basically got what I put into [the game]," said Tate. "It wasn't a bad experience. It's something I tried and it was different. It could have been more organized, but it was the first year. You sort of expect that.
"I think he's the type of guy who looks out for the best interest of his players. He tries to help guys out."
Others have different opinions. Terry has been called everything from a con artist to a blowhard, but he insists he's misunderstood, not misguided.
"I'm not a crook," said Terry. "I feel like Richard Nixon saying that, but I'm not. There's not one piece of evidence out there that shows that I screwed anybody."
Of course, Terry's mouth often gets him in trouble.
Anderson's view
"Jim suffers from foot-in-mouth disease," said Thunderplex owner Dave Anderson, whose facility will hold Hitmen games. "He talks about things like they're done before they're done.
"That said, I think he's got a good idea. I'm giving the guy a chance."
The Hitmen are members of the Eastern Indoor Football League. The EIFL has three teams -- the Three Rivers Rats, based out of Pittsburgh, and the Bay Shore Brawlers of New Jersey are the others -- and a fourth, based out of Maryland, is reportedly set to join.
Over the past two weeks, Anderson has received anonymous calls, seen his name blasted on Internet forums and become infinitely more famous than he ever wanted to be.
"It's been a little aggravating," said Anderson.
Clarified his role
Anderson has spent the last week clarifying his role with the team. He's traded use of the Thunderplex for 10 percent of the franchise. His employees will handle the setup and tear down of the football field. (The Thunderplex is mainly a field rental facility for local soccer, baseball and softball teams.) Under the verbal agreement -- nothing has been signed -- Terry would get the gate receipts and Anderson would get the concession sales, which would include the sale of alcohol.
Terry originally approached The Ice Zone in Boardman, but the facility's owner, Bruce Zoldan, wanted Terry to show him a business plan and financial specifics. When negotiations broke down, Terry turned to Anderson.
"When we sat down and talked about, I asked him for the same thing that Bruce did," said Anderson. "He said he didn't have them ready yet, but would I give him time to do it? I said sure.
"If they're not able to put together the things I've asked, then it becomes a different story. We're doing this with our eyes open. But I still think he's a young, energetic guy who is somewhat misguided at times."
Got publicity for team
Like him or not, Terry has accomplished one thing: He's got a lot of publicity for his team. The Clarett story has been picked up by MSNBC, Fox Sports Net and ESPN, among others.
Clarett, a Warren Harding High graduate, may not be available in January. He was indicted on two counts of aggravated robbery and is awaiting trial. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.
"If he does get Clarett, I don't know if we could hold all the people who would come to watch him," said Anderson. "Of course, some of them would be there to see him play and other would be there to see him get hit. That's the thing about Maurice; you either love him or hate him."
scalzo@vindy.com