Clarett hires new lawyers for trial defense

COLUMBUS (AP) -- Former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett has hired two new attorneys to represent him in his trial on burglary and weapons charges.
Clarett fired attorneys William Settina and Robert Krapenc a week ago, notifying them in a single-paragraph letter.
Franklin County Common Pleas Judge David S. Fais held a hearing Thursday morning to address Clarett's defense. Bailiff Tim Jackson said court papers showed Nick L. Mango and Michael C. Hoague were hired to represent Clarett.
Pending charges
Clarett, 22, is charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, four counts of robbery and one count of carrying a concealed weapon. Authorities said he was identified by witnesses as the person who flashed a gun and robbed two people in an alley behind the Opium Lounge in the early hours of Jan. 1.
Mango and Hoague both work out of nearby Delaware County. Neither immediately returned phone calls seeking comment.
Clarett, free on a recognizance bond, has an Aug. 14 trial date. "I'm very confident. I'm just looking forward to my day in court," he said as he left the hearing.
Settina and Krapenc filed a motion Monday saying they did not wish to continue as Clarett's lawyers, charging he has not paid their fees and has not cooperated in his own defense.
Clarett scored the winning touchdown in the second overtime to lead Ohio State to the 2002 national championship, the school's first since 1968. But that was the last game the freshman played for Ohio State. He sat out the 2003 season after being charged with misdemeanor falsification on a police report, then dropped out of school. He sued to be included in the 2004 NFL draft and lost in court.
A surprise third-round pick in the 2005 draft, he was cut by the Denver Broncos during the preseason.
Plans to resume career
Clarett plans to play for the Mahoning Valley Hitmen. Hitmen coach Jim Terry said Thursday that Clarett has not signed a contract with the team yet, pending a fire marshal's inspection of the Thunderplex, the team's home. Clarett's proposed contract includes attendance incentives which cannot be finalized until the fire marshal determines the capacity of the Thunderplex.