After three-and-a-half years in prison, the former football star is returning to Columbus — but not the football field.
The AP reports that Ohio State has granted Clarett re-entry to its College of Education and Human Ecology — a program which he originally enrolled in 2002. That year proved to be Clarett’s last at the university, as he helped the Buckeyes to a national championship before being suspended from the program for filing a false police report.
Despite his Ohio State obstacles, Clarett conquered doubters temporarily. He left the 2005 NFL draft board on day one, going to the Denver Broncos in the third round when many slotted him as a sixth-round selection at best. But more legal troubles kept the running back from ever taking a snap on the field.
The Columbus Dispatch writes that Clarett was originally hit with a seven-and-a-half year penalty for charges of aggravated robbery and carrying a concealed weapon. Clarett took classes during his prison sentence, and even operated a blog to help others grow from his transgressions.
That helped lead to an early release in April 2010, where the Dispatch report notes that Clarett told the judge about his plans complete his college degree and operate a gym for geriatric individuals. With Ohio State’s blessing, step one is off and running.
