http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2011/07/13/story-columbus-maurice-clarett-discusses-ohio-state.html?sid=102&utm_source=bleacherreport.com&utm_medium=referral

Former Buckeye, convict and now semi-professional football player Maurice Clarett spoke to a sports radio station on Tuesday, sharing his thoughts on a number of issues, including the controversy swirling around Ohio State, the departure of Terrelle Pryor and college athletes accepting improper benefits.

Clarett, who helped lead Ohio State to a national championship in 2002, left the program under clouds of controversy involving money and other benefits. After his career in the NFL floundered, the running back was sentenced to prison for armed robbery.

"You've got to realize I was 19 at the time. When you're 19, you're mad at the world," Clarett told Omaha radio station 1629 The Zone. "Everything's taken away from you in part because of some of the things that I did to myself, taking illegal benefits and things like that."

During the interview on Tuesday, Clarett, who is now playing for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League, said he just wanted to offer advice to current Ohio State football players. He also spoke of Pryor, saying he is a young man with a lot of growing up left to do.

"The best thing I can do is some of the things that took place for me in my career and the mistakes I made. Like I said, just come back in and offer them to Terrelle or some of the young guys," he said.

"When I talk to Terrelle, it's more or less, 'I don't want you to go down the same road I did.' I don't get into what took place at Ohio State, but I understand the mistakes I made after I left Ohio State. I don't want to see him do some of the things I did," he said.

Clarett also talked about the issue of college players accepting improper benefits. He said officials should consider offering performance-based stipends as a method for eliminating the problem.

"If you gave them kids $30,000, $20,000, there wouldn't be any situations where they'd be having illegal benefits or having to take things," Clarett said. "They try to say, 'Well, every program is not the same. Well, that's life.' Everybody doesn't get paid the same."

Clarett said his stipend at Ohio State was $1,100 a month, and he said it is easy for some players to be enticed by the offers of extra cash.

Clarett was also asked about the recent appointment of Luke Fickell as head coach. He said the Buckeyes would not miss a beat.

I guess I never knew a college football player could get an $1,100 a month stipend?

I'm sure many will hate, but I don't mind Clarett. Not sure if he is the one to give advice, but I'm glad he's (seemed to have) grown up.

Can't trust what he says, former convict and all. I want proof!

Great player, bigger dumbass.

WebFire;829263 wrote:Can't trust what he says, former convict and all. I want proof!

He is a good example of what not to do, but I don't buy that he's reformed just yet. I wouldn't trust anything he does or says because of all the shitty decisions he has made.

johngrizzly;829256 wrote:I guess I never knew a college football player could get an $1,100 a month stipend?

Football is just one of many sports that get stipends.

As far as Maurice being a "dumbass", the guy did his time and has been a productive member of society since getting out.

As someone who had a chance to actually get to know him, I couldn't be happier for him and hope he continues to stay on the right track.

imex99;829227 wrote:http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2011/07/13/story-columbus-maurice-clarett-discusses-ohio-state.html?sid=102&utm_source=bleacherreport.com&utm_medium=referral

"If you gave them kids $30,000, $20,000, there wouldn't be any situations where they'd be having illegal benefits or having to take things," Clarett said. "They try to say, 'Well, every program is not the same. Well, that's life.' Everybody doesn't get paid the same."

Clarett said his stipend at Ohio State was $1,100 a month, and he said it is easy for some players to be enticed by the offers of extra cash.

False. Even if you paid the players $20-30K, then the temptations still would be there for free tats, cars, whatever. It would just cause the boosters to up their game on what they are giving.

I heard a discussion on 97.1 the Fan the other day where they indicated the players are getting a $1,400 stipend today. It probably has gone up a bit since Maurice left.

I see nothing wrong with what he said in the interview. In fact, most of it seemed really self-aware and respectful.

2kool4skool;829748 wrote:I see nothing wrong with what he said in the interview. In fact, most of it seemed really self-aware and respectful.

"Everything's taken away from you in part because of some of the things that I did to myself, taking illegal benefits and things like that."

I know it's pretty much a given, but I've never actually seen him quoted admitting it--hope this doesn't open another can of worms.

JerseyBuck;829336 wrote:As far as Maurice being a "dumbass", the guy did his time and has been a productive member of society since getting out.

As someone who had a chance to actually get to know him, I couldn't be happier for him and hope he continues to stay on the right track.

If he did his time and has his head on straight now I wish him nothing but the best. I just am not to optimistic given the decisions he has made in the past.

vball10set;829798 wrote:I know it's pretty much a given, but I've never actually seen him quoted admitting it--hope this doesn't open another can of worms.

He was suspended for the 2003 season so I think it was a given that he had taken some things he wasn't supposed to. I don't remember the specifics though.

vball10set;829798 wrote:I know it's pretty much a given, but I've never actually seen him quoted admitting it--hope this doesn't open another can of worms.

He's said it quite a few times, most notable on the Dan Patrick show where he defended Tressel and Ohio State. He said the coaching staff didn't point him to go here for cash or there for a car and they stay on them about what they can and cannot do but some people, like himself, still become tempted and go out seeking "benefits".

ccrunner609;830296 wrote:I wasnt mad at the world at 19......

Must not have known you'd be a gym teacher yet.

ccrunner609;830296 wrote:I wasnt mad at the world at 19......

If you were raised in a slum of a rust belt Ohio City there's a good chance you would.

Here's a reminder for everyone on just how good this guy was....remember that he was a freshman here. Sad to see how he's thrown his life away.


[video=youtube;k-UvO6tS0II][/video]

JerseyBuck;829336 wrote:Football is just one of many sports that get stipends.

As far as Maurice being a "dumbass", the guy did his time and has been a productive member of society since getting out.

As someone who had a chance to actually get to know him, I couldn't be happier for him and hope he continues to stay on the right track.

Regardless of the sport, if you're on full scholarship and choose not to live in a college dorm and eat in a college cafeteria you get a "room and board" stipend for your apartment and food. $1100, $1400 or whatever doesn't go that far.

MoC wasn't a burner, but had the quickest feet and best vision I saw in Scarlet and Gray since Archie.

Big Gain;830565 wrote:MoC wasn't a burner, but had the quickest feet and best vision I saw in Scarlet and Gray since Archie.

No chance you are old enough to have seen him play. I'd be surprised if you watched Clarett play.

karen lotz;830577 wrote:No chance you are old enough to have seen him play. I'd be surprised if you watched Clarett play.

Proving your ignorance once again. No chance you are intelligent enough, nor have the psychic abilities to see through cyber space.

Big Gain;830560 wrote: $1100, $1400 or whatever doesn't go that far.

Are you fucking kidding me?!?!?!?

Tobias Fünke;830643 wrote:Are you ****ing kidding me?!?!?!?

He's saying $1100-$1400 won't go that far if you choose not to live in the dorm and then you would have to pay for your own room and board . So he is correct that money would not be a lot to cover food and housing. (enough but not extavegant) I don't think you get that money unless you choose to live off campus, is that correct?

Big Gain;830605 wrote:Proving your ignorance once again. No chance you are intelligent enough, nor have the psychic abilities to see through cyber space.

hahahahahahahahaha thats a good one

2kool4skool;830434 wrote:Must not have known you'd be a gym teacher yet.

Winning....

Y-Town Steelhound;830559 wrote:Here's a reminder for everyone on just how good this guy was....remember that he was a freshman here. Sad to see how he's thrown his life away.


[video=youtube;k-UvO6tS0II][/video]

Clarett had the best vision and feet. I still believe if he plays in 2003, no one beats Ohio State. OSU had absolutely no running game that season and if you factor Clarett in, it gives them a potent running game that opens up the pass. IMO, Clarett would have been one of, if not, the best running back at OSU had he stayed 3-4 years. I don't think OSU has had a RB as talented as Clarett since then (Beanie is close though). Clarett was special to watch, that play in the Fiesta Bowl when he strips Taylor after the INT goes to show is natural ability of the game.

Kid was an absolute beast. If he had just stayed for his sophomore year, what a different life he would have.

Wasn't he suspended for 2003? I thought that was why he decided to leave early.