Updated: Feb. 24, 2005, 8:27 PM ET By John Clayton ESPN.com INDIANAPOLIS -- What a difference a year makes. A year ago, Maurice Clarett showed up in Indianapolis at the combine by way of a lawsuit instead of an invitation, and, basically, he fumbled. Clarett wasn't in great shape and didn't seem to care. From the way he acted, he sounded as though the NFL owed him a career. Instead, the NFL beat him in court and closed the loophole that would have allowed underclassmen with less than three years out of high school to turn pro. Clarett hasn't played a down of football in two years. Maurice Clarett Maurice Clarett rushed for 1,237 yards in his only season at Ohio State. The player that showed up Thursday was a different Clarett, one that might win over a few general managers and coaches and possibly sneak back into the first day of the draft. This Clarett was cooperative, not defiant. This Clarett looked fit. His face was thinner. His body looked more solid. More than anything else, though, this Maurice Clarett was humble. "I made some mistakes that were obvious to everyone in this room, and I paid for them," Clarett said. Clarett arrived at the combine this year weighing 234 pounds. While that is only three pounds lighter than a year ago, his body looked more trim and fit. The former Ohio State running back said he has been training in Florence, Calif., doing sled drills, agility drills and weightlifting. In many ways, Clarett did his best to put a positive spin on two years of personal hell. He felt he was above the NFL rules and learned a valuable lesson. Now, he wants to put those memories behind him. But he realizes that won't be easy to do. Perhaps the most interesting thing he said was that he spent time working on his personality. He spent a lot of time during the past year with an attorney, David Kenner, who told him things about himself he didn't want to hear. It helped him mature.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BearsFan1)</div><div class='quotemain'>Sounds like a bunch of BS. i hope he falls flat on his face. If he suceeds it will be randy moss II</div> It is all BS, but I think he wont fall flat on his face!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Giantsfan1)</div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BearsFan1)</div><div class='quotemain'>Sounds like a bunch of BS. i hope he falls flat on his face. If he suceeds it will be randy moss II</div> It is all BS, but I think he wont fall flat on his face!</div> I know, and it pisses me off. Another TO wannabe waiting in the wings. Give it up for the prima donna atheletes
Theres no way that he changed? A person cant see the light and correct their behavior? Especially when we are talking about a kid who is maturing into a man....Im not saying hes a good person now, but he deserves a chance....the new personality may be fake, but the new body isnt....6ft and 234 lbs, by all accounts, solidly built now, and he put up 22 reps in the bench press, an impressive total for a RB....
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (TheBeef)</div><div class='quotemain'>Theres no way that he changed? A person cant see the light and correct their behavior? Especially when we are talking about a kid who is maturing into a man....Im not saying hes a good person now, but he deserves a chance....the new personality may be fake, but the new body isnt....6ft and 234 lbs, by all accounts, solidly built now, and he put up 22 reps in the bench press, an impressive total for a RB....</div> I am going to be the liberal media on this one beef. I am going to condemn without evidence, becuase he is a conservative, errr Ohio State player.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Pack Attack)</div><div class='quotemain'>Humility is rare in the NFL. He should be applauded for "seeing the light."</div> If he actually has seen the light....I think there is a better than average chance that hes putting on an act because so much money is at stake, but I will give him the benefit of the doubt....I would be more skeptical if I was a GM and my job would be effected if he tricked me....
With the times he ran in the 40 at the combine, he would not have won in the special olympics. This guy has had nothing to do for a year except prepare for this, and he fell flat on his face. I LOVE IT.
I guess there is a reason hes so humble, hes got nothing to be cocky about....4.7, thats pedestrian for a back....he still has a personal workout scheduled, but will any teams show up?
he'll be drafted a team wont not risk a late pick for him. He showed he had talent at Ohio State, if a team that needs a RB is up in the 5th round and hes still there i'm sure they will take a chance
I dont think you realize how slow his time was. No one wants a back that when he breaks into the open is caught from behind before he gets out of the hole.
Maybe, The University of Pittsburgh needs an RB. After all, the king of wise personnel moves is now top dog there. ha ha ha!!!
I guess he injured his toe during workouts, which is why his time was so slow. Bummer for him... Someone might take a chance on him really late in the draft. Some mad scientist...like Dennis Green!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Pack Attack)</div><div class='quotemain'>I guess he injured his toe during workouts, which is why his time was so slow. Bummer for him... Someone might take a chance on him really late in the draft. Some mad scientist...like Dennis Green! </div> Did the little baby hurt his toe. HA what a lame excuse.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Pack Attack)</div><div class='quotemain'>Someone might take a chance on him really late in the draft. Some mad scientist...like Dennis Green! </div> or Mike Martz or the Bills.
