'Blessed' Clarett plans to keep playing pro football
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Maurice Clarett's football comeback was a success, certainly to him.
Clarett of Youngstown says he would gladly spend another year with the United Football League's Omaha Nighthawks if they want him back. He feels lucky to have played anywhere and been given a chance to rebuild his life after being incarcerated for 3 1/2 years.
"In January I was in prison, and now I've completed a professional football season," Clarett said in an interview with The Associated Press before Omaha's season finale tonight. "I would absolutely say I could never ever have thought of being at this place. It's a blessing from God, and I take it that way."
The 27-year-old Clarett hadn't played competitively since he helped lead Ohio State to the 2002 national championship. He was suspended by the NCAA for taking improper inducements and failed to make it in the NFL. He pleaded guilty in 2006 to aggravated robbery and carrying a concealed weapon in connection with a holdup outside a Columbus bar, and wound up behind bars.