Ohio State's Maurice Clarett Sues NFL

ABC/ESPN Breaking News ^ | September 23, 2003 | staff writer

[rftc]

Suspended Ohio State tailback Maurice Clarett sued the National Football League today in an historic attempt to gain entry into the league.

Under the current rules, Clarett is not eligible for entry until 2005.

[Bikers4Bush]

He is not qualified to play based on the requirements of the NFL.

[You Dirty Rats]

Please see post #50. Haywood didn't sue the NBA; the NCAA tried to enforce its four-year rule and lost. This case is completely different.

[discostu]

NFL Europe was created to be the NFL's farm system. It's failing miserably. On the other hand the CFL and Arena League are doing a pretty good job of training marginal players and injecting them in the NFL.

The NBA has been experimenting with using the various semi-pro leagues as a farm system, but it's not working too well either.

They don't have their heads up their posteriors on this, but making a farm system isn't just a matter of waving a wand, it takes a lot of organization and effort and a little luck.

[BurbankKarl]

He should have just gone to Grambling or some other school where he could play....and wait a couple years.

But greed is the name of the game these days.

[mhking]

the NFLPA represents the PLAYERS...they agreed to the 3 year post HS entrance requirement...

NFLPA head Gene Upshaw is on the record as supporting the League; he thinks the kid needs to sit down and shut up.

[You Dirty Rats]

It also takes tons of money; why do that when the NCAA will do that for you?

[You Dirty Rats]

Upshaw is right about Clarett needing to sit down and shut up. This kid is hurting his own value to the NFL more and more every day.

[NC Conservative]

The kid is legally 18 years old and should have a right to earn a living,

He does not have a right. The NFL is private and can set their own rules.

[smith288]

I'm sure Clarett's lawyers will not use that; they'll probably go after a question of a "restraint of trade" offense, that will insist (much as in the Haywood case 30 years ago) that the NFL is curtailing his ability to earn as much money as he possibly could earn were he to enter the draft this coming year.

To which I hope the court replies "Then by all means, play for the Columbus Xtreme".

[discostu]

The CBA sets a lot more than salaries. It also defines the NFL's fine system, the retirement program and even the number of players on a roster. And it says 19 year-old can't play in the NFL.

[mhking]

On the other hand the CFL and Arena League are doing a pretty good job of training marginal players and injecting them in the NFL.

That's why the NFL has put plenty of money into both leagues. Several NFL owners are tied to Arenaball teams, and the NFL has a joint marketing agreement with the CFL (I just wish they had come up with a US television contract for the CFL this season!).

[sandydipper]

Oh puhleezzee - This S/H should be in jail not the NFL.

[ContemptofCourt]

No it doesn't...that is the problem.

[mhking]

This kid is hurting his own value to the NFL more and more every day.

Behind this case, even if (on the wild chance he were to win and enter the draft) he won, at this stage, he wouldn't get drafted by anyone. He shot himself in the foot.

[ken5050]

It's probnably the kid's mouthpieces..the lawyer and the agent who have already gotten their hooks in him..who are pushing this...they've already no dounbt fronted him a big pile of $$$$..wanna bet when Maurice turn up driving a Hummer, with a big gold chain and bling-bling studs..

[mhking]

This S/H should be in jail not the NFL.

Jail? Why?

[TonyInOhio]

Amen!

Good Riddance, Maurice.

Go BUCKS!

[misterrob]

Ah, but he already has the tools to compete for a spot in the game and the NFL has no physical restrictions.

Yes, teams should pass on Ryan Leaf's but the draft has always been an imperfect science. And let's face it, needs overcome common sense as evidenced by signing people like Jeff George, Danny Wurfell or Kordell Stewart.

[mhking]

wanna bet when Maurice turn up driving a Hummer, with a big gold chain and bling-bling studs..

Wouldn't surprise me one bit.

[discostu]

Yep. Especially for the NBA, given the number of players per team and the number of colleges with teams compared to the number of pro teams they're garaunteed a surplus of qualified players. The NFL doesn't have quite that bounty, but it's close.