Judge allows Clarett to head to pro football tryout

COLUMBUS (AP) — Former Ohio State player Maurice Clarett of Youngstown believes he's ready to make another run at professional football.

Clarett received permission today to leave Ohio to try out for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He served 3 1/2 years in prison for having a hidden gun and holding up two people outside a bar, then spent 4 1/2 months in a community-based, lockdown dormitory.

Looking fit and relaxed in a gray suit, purple dress shirt and dark purple tie, the 26-year-old Clarett did not speak before Judge David Fais of Franklin County Common Pleas Court.

As he was awaiting an elevator in the hall after the seven-minute hearing, Clarett nodded yes when asked three questions: Did he welcome the opportunity to try out for the team? Was he physically ready to play pro football? Was he relieved that the judge granted his request?

Then he left to meet with a probation officer.