Miami fans might have a reason to rejoice

Sabek · Post by **Sabek** » September 9, 2003, 10:04 am

Looks like Clarett has been taking large amounts of money. If the investigation shows the person had ties to OSU, OSU could be forced to lose every game he played in last year.

Report: Ohio State Won't Reinstate Clarett
Evidence Of Thousands Of Dollars Reportedly Uncovered

UPDATED: 7:13 a.m. EDT September 9, 2003

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State University has finished its investigation into sophomore tailback Maurice Clarett and will not seek reinstatement for him, according to a broadcast report.

Cleveland station WJW-TV reported that the university, while working on a response to NCAA allegations involving the sophomore, has uncovered evidence that Clarett received "extra benefits worth thousands of dollars."

Ohio State athletic director Andy Geiger did not contradict the report, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Anything they have is premature," Geiger told the newspaper. When asked to clarify, he replied: "We're not going to comment on any aspect of what we are into at this point."

If the benefits were received last year, there is a chance that Ohio State could be forced to forfeit the national championship, NewsChannel 4 reported.

The NCAA told NewsChannel 4 Monday that they still have not received the OSU athletic department's reinstatement request.

If Clarett does not return to Ohio State, transferring to another school remains an option, or he could attempt to challenge the NFL's early entry rules.

Clarett has not played this season and only practiced with the team for one week while the school went through the investigation process.

Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown, who is serving as an advisor to the Clarett family, had previously suggested that Clarett may be inclined to transfer to a small school, such as Grambling State, a Division I-AA school that would not require Clarett to sit out a transfer year.

"A lot of people would like to have Maurice Clarett," Grambling coach Doug Williams told ESPN The Magazine. "I don't think a headache comes with the kid. He didn't shoot nobody. They didn't arrest him for drugs. He didn't rape nobody. Ain't no problem with the kid."

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » September 9, 2003, 11:00 am

don't want the title that way.

but i dont want OSU to have a title that they cheated for anyways.

should jsut give the title to nobody.

masteen · Post by **masteen** » September 9, 2003, 11:33 am

I'm gonna laugh my ASS off when the NCAA strips the title from the Buckeyes.

Post by **Sylvus** » September 9, 2003, 11:50 am

Wow. Sucks for the Buckeyes. I am kind of torn, though. I liked the fact that a Big 10 school won the Nat'l Championship, but I have always despised OSU. Oh well, guess it's sort of a win-win situation for me.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » September 9, 2003, 12:14 pm

Sylvus wrote:Wow. Sucks for the Buckeyes. I am kind of torn, though. I liked the fact that a Big 10 school won the Nat'l Championship, but I have always despised OSU. Oh well, guess it's sort of a win-win situation for me.

Exact sentiments here as well. I would hate to see it go like that, but I believe they should only strip them of OSU themselves were the ones giving him the money. If not, they really had no knowing of it, and had nothing to do with it. They are handling themselves well enough this year with that situation to suggest that they would have taken action immediately had they known.

I now also really hate Clarrett.

Sabek · Post by **Sabek** » September 9, 2003, 12:26 pm

All I can say about Clarett. If he knowingly did something that now puts his teamates acommplishments of last year at risk, he is the biggest piece of shit in the world.

Ashur · Post by **Ashur** » September 9, 2003, 1:47 pm

I couldn't agree more Sabek.

Sabek · Post by **Sabek** » September 9, 2003, 2:13 pm

Here's the official word on espn.com that he will be criminally charged with falsifying a police report.

Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State star running back Maurice Clarett will be charged with lying about items that were stolen from him out of a car, a city attorney spokesman said Tuesday.

Clarett

Prosecutors and Ohio State University police will file a misdemeanor falsification charge against him in Franklin County Municipal Court, city attorney spokesman Scott Varner said.

The court will issue a summons for Clarett to appear within 30 days. The charge carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and $1,000 fine.

Clarett has already been suspended indefinitely from the team, and in all likelihood will not play for the third-ranked Buckeyes this season. He is also being investigated by the NCAA.

Clarett acknowledged earlier this summer that he filed an exaggerated theft report after his car was broken into in April. The car was borrowed from a local car dealer.

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » September 9, 2003, 3:17 pm

yeah i think OSU is only in jeopardy of losing the title if there was "lack of institutional control"

meaning that alumni or athletics dept people provided him with benefits. If the athletic department knew of the benefits but did nothing about them, etc.

Ashur · Post by **Ashur** » September 9, 2003, 3:35 pm

I think the Ohio State Athletic Department has been trying to wash thier hands of him. He has had zero loyalty to the University and he getting the same in return.

It sucks shit for everyone involved, because he has such talent and potential, but he's done some very, very stupid things and then pissed off most of the people who could help him. Jim Brown following him like a protective dog saying "Leave the kid alone and let him play ball (preferably in the NFL), you big meanies" isn't helping.

If the Buckeyes lose their title over this, I will be livid. I don't mind as much if we play and lose - that happens, but this is bullshit.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » September 9, 2003, 3:41 pm

But the question is, who paid him? Was it someone associated with OSU, or could it have been Mr. Brown himself?

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » September 9, 2003, 3:50 pm

Ashur [FoH] wrote:Jim Brown following him like a protective dog saying "Leave the kid alone and let him play ball (preferably in the NFL), you big meanies" isn't helping.

I think it is more like, "You slave masters need to let go of the whips and chains binding poor Maurice to the plantation that is OSU." That damn sure isn't making him look good. And for the record, being a huge Browns fan, I have lost a lot --if not all-- respect for Jim Brown.

Ashur · Post by **Ashur** » September 9, 2003, 3:55 pm

Could be a number of things that amounted to the "benefits worth thousands of dollars". Consider the statement from the second article: "The car was borrowed from a local car dealer."

Yeah, car dealers loan me cars all the time. Hell, any college student can go "borrow a car" from one. No, someone was providing it to him as a benefit, likely entirely off the record. These sorts of shennanigans has always been present in college ball, unfortunately, when local business and well-to-do pony up off the record incentives for good ball players to come play for them. Alumni can be a blessing and a bane.

"I appreciate you playing ball for my team. Since you're new in town, here's a job for you. I need someone to watch this grass grow and let me know when it needs mowed. The job pays $100 an hour."

Sad that this shit happens and the NCAA is always looking to put a stop for it. I believe most Universities try to stay within the regs, although, like any business it puts them at a competitive disadvantage over another program that would stoop to such tactics. It's easy to lure a young, just out of High School, kid with money and cars etc.

Like Voro said, they will try to determine if the benefits came from anyone afflilliated with the program.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » September 9, 2003, 10:29 pm

Yeah, some teams also basically have their own "ho's" that travel with them to away games just so the players won't be tempted to carouse in the towns they go to as well......makes me wonder how my g/f knew about THAT one...

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » September 9, 2003, 10:58 pm

Oh yeah, I have been meaning to give her a call. Say hi for me boog.

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » September 10, 2003, 10:57 am

i've never heard of that BOoghaz, but i do know there are girls that universities use during recruiting.

i managed to fuck about 3 of them before they figured out i wasnt a football recruit...

hehe i wish

Xyun · Post by **Xyun** » September 10, 2003, 11:18 am

The story on sportscenter is that they don't think OSU is in trouble because the benefits were not recieved last year.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » September 10, 2003, 6:39 pm

Well, at the University of Texas they apparently have two "squads" that follow the team. One that you see with the "Hellraisers" which are called the "Heartbreakers", and another in the background to give suckysucky.

Btw, this is NOT the g/f in my avatar that I am referring to.

Bocc · Post by **Bocc** » September 10, 2003, 11:14 pm

I seriously doubt he received any benefits from the University. All you Miami fans and Michigan fans can keep hoping that they'll dig up some kind of dirt on OSU. Also, if you're a Michigan fan, how can you hope that the title is stripped of a Big 10 team? I only hate Michigan one week of the year and that's around Thanksgiving. Other than that, go Big 10.

Deward · Post by **Deward** » September 12, 2003, 10:13 am

Abuse like thisis rampant in the College ranks. Every few years they throw a player to the sharks when it is the NCAA that is the real evil behind this. It is hard to say that players should be paid for football beyond scholarships but their universities make a lot of money off them and they are risking permanent injuries every week. I think there should be some sort of profit sharing amongst the teammates so they can earn a little spending cash and not be tempted on the side. Not being allowed to mow a lawn for $20 is completely ridiculous while their university and the NCAA is allowed to use any of their likenesses as much as they want.

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » September 12, 2003, 11:09 am

and not only use the likeness, but make millions in the process.

masteen · Post by **masteen** » September 12, 2003, 11:29 am

I believe that athletes SHOULD be paid. I'm not talking NFL money (or even CFL money) but would throwing these kids an extra $10K a year so they can afford to live hurt anyone but the sleazy agents?

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » September 12, 2003, 12:01 pm

agreed, they shouldn't get paid much. But hell, at least give them the same amount as unemployment.

Xyun · Post by **Xyun** » September 12, 2003, 12:19 pm

No, college athletes should not be paid. In essence, most of them are getting paid anyway, through scholarships which allow them to attend college for free. Participating in athletics in college is a priveledge, not a job. Most universities are run by the government, and the legal ramifications of paying students are obvious. The idea is absurd to me, that tax dollars should be spent to pay kids to play football.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » September 12, 2003, 12:46 pm

Well look at it like this. Yes, in essence they are getting paid as it is, depending on school it can be up to 35k a year. The same goes for academic scholars as well. But, the difference between athletes and other people with scholar ships is that athletes don't have time to be employed. They can't get a job unlike other students. They can get one maybe in the spring and early summer, but then get get back into two a days and don't have time. I am not saying its impossible, hell its worked like this forever, but more and more athletes these days are getting in trouble for these things. Maybe its time we take a look at it.

masteen · Post by **masteen** » September 12, 2003, 1:42 pm

Xyun wrote:No, college athletes should not be paid. In essence, most of them are getting paid anyway, through scholarships which allow them to attend college for free. Participating in athletics in college is a priveledge, not a job. Most universities are run by the government, and the legal ramifications of paying students are obvious. The idea is absurd to me, that tax dollars should be spent to pay kids to play football.

The universities' programs make their money from booster donations, licensing, and ticket sales on game day. The jocks would get their pay from this, not taxes (unless you're talking about F$U).

The problem I see is that they aren't allowed to work, at all. Some of these kids are from very poor families, and scholarships only cover tuition, books, lab fees, and a room in the jock dorm.

I'd rather have them get a stipend than to allow the corruption to continue. It's kinda sad, but the scholarships that I got as a National Merit amounted to more than what the football players were getting.

Chidoro · Post by **Chidoro** » September 12, 2003, 2:18 pm

That's odd, I was able to work on-campus jobs even though I had sports and academic scholarships running division 1 track. Unless the rules have changed in the last 11 years, I don't know. I'm pretty sure our basketball players did as well. School didn't have a football program though.

Post by **Sylvus** » September 12, 2003, 2:41 pm

I don't know if it's different or not for football vs. track, I thought football players couldn't work during the school year at least. I do know a guy who was on scholarship for Track at Michigan a year or two back, and he was not allowed to work during the season. He always had a job in the summer for sure, though I can't remember if he worked during the year when he wasn't in season.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » September 12, 2003, 4:49 pm

Newsflash: Athletes aren't alone in having a rough time at college financially.

Newsflash number two: Most Athletic Departments are not profitable. If I remember correctly, only five schools in the country make money on sports.

So explain it to me: When I'm attending (actually attending) a full schedule of classes, studying for them, working at the unpaid internships that are necessary to succeed in my field, working another job on the side so I can afford to buy my textbooks next semester, and both my family and myself are tapping all the money that we can muster just so I can pay my tuition, why should some jock who didn't even earn a real academic admission to my University and is getting ~30k a year in money that I have to come up with myself possibly get an extra 10 grand a year? Fuck that.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » September 12, 2003, 6:04 pm

I voluntarily pay for all my shit, tuition, parking pass, books, etc. And don't have a problem with athletes getting paid. Because I have the oppurtunity to work, they don't.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » September 12, 2003, 7:11 pm

I work with athletes.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » September 12, 2003, 11:55 pm

I think that when Mack Brown asked for pay for the UT players he asked for something like a MAX $150.00 per month stipend during the season.

Xyun · Post by **Xyun** » September 13, 2003, 8:16 am

I know for a fact that some scholarships include room and board. Meaning the students get to live on campus and eat for free. Universities are there for education, not entertainment. An athlete at a college is a student first and an athlete second. These guys get full rides to schools when the rest of us have to work our butts off for the same privileges. And what's worse, some of these guys can barely read, much less complete college courses. When athletics begin to take precedence over academics at a university, there is cause for concern.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » September 13, 2003, 12:43 pm

All full ride scholarships include room, board, and books. But hell, you can't expect them to stay cramped up in the dorm forever can you? They don't even make money to go rent a fucking movie. And shit, nowadays if your own mother sends you a check you have to fear for violation of NCAA policy. Since they can't work, would 150 a month be so bad?

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » September 13, 2003, 1:05 pm

Where does this "can't work" shit come from? I know many athletes with jobs.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » September 13, 2003, 4:36 pm

Many football players are not allowed to work. Save maybe in the offseason and the first part of summer. 6/12 months in the year I would say. This is fairly common in big schools. Out of curiosity, what school do you go to?

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » September 13, 2003, 5:43 pm

Last year I went to Pitt. This year I transferred to the University of Maryland.

I suppose you're right, I don't recall any of the athletes working during their seasons, so they very well could have restricted schedules.

But still, let's say you work for six months. You take a shitty part time job at $7.50 an hour, say an average of 20 hours a week. You take three weeks off for various reasons. Assuming that every month has 4 weeks, you're making $3,150 before taxes.

Are you seriously telling me that a college student, who has every single necessity in life provided for him free of charge, can't live a normal college life on more than 2 grand? They can't go out to eat occasionally, buy their ounce bags of pot, and supply themselves with condoms and beer for TWO GRAND? Bullshit. College athletes are only impoverished in comparison to the professionals.

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » September 13, 2003, 5:46 pm

Somebody sure sounds bitter. And jealous heh.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » September 13, 2003, 5:48 pm

Well, could you honestly say that you could make 3k last for 6 months? That boils down to 500 a month, 125 a week, and so on. Not to mention buying clothes, food, beer (it is college after all), movies, etc. 125 a week is little. But I do see your point. I just couldn't do it, and apparently a lot of the athletes as well.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » September 13, 2003, 5:58 pm

Yes, I can. I could live very comfortably on it, in fact, as it's a lot more than I have at my disposal right now.

Last year I lived on campus at Pitt, meaning that my food was provided for me by the University. This is the same situation that college athletes face. I went out to eat probably about twice a week, bought birthday presents, paid for beer (lots of beer) and drugs, paid for tickets to the games, all the things that you would expect college students to spend money on. I spent about $800 over the course of the full school year, and, if I toned down the excess, it could have been less.

This year is a little different, as I have an apartment. For non-provided expenses (no food or rent), I doubt I spend more than $20 a week.

If I wanted to buy myself a Playstation 2 and a copy of Madden 2004 (which I do), then I would need more money. If I wanted a larger supply of better drugs (which I do) then I would need more money. Same goes for a shiny TV or new rims on my car. The fact that I don't have these things isn't a travesty, nor is it a problem. If athletes think that they're entitled to these things, then they have a lot of growing up to do.

Kelshara: Fuck you in the ass with a cactus. I hope you die of cancer.

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » September 13, 2003, 6:39 pm

Kelshara: Fuck you in the ass with a cactus. I hope you die of cancer.

Sure you are in college and not Junior High?

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » September 13, 2003, 7:13 pm

Sueven wrote:Where does this "can't work" shit come from? I know many athletes with jobs.

I went to college on a basketball scholarship, and we were not allowed jobs during the school year just to make sure we maintained our grades. It wasn't until I blew out my knee and opted out of the full surgery they required that I was able to work at all during the school year. Not every school may be that way, but then again not every school LETS the student-athletes work outside of school.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » September 13, 2003, 8:57 pm

Yeah, I wasn't entirely right about the working thing.

Kelshara, can't you at least provide me with something interesting to respond to?

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » September 13, 2003, 9:07 pm

Nah you are more than capable of coming up with dumbass shit yourself, don't seem to need any help with that at all.

Avestan · Post by **Avestan** » September 13, 2003, 9:21 pm

I was a division 1 athlete. I played football and track. You are heavily restricted in jobs you can hold. There is a maximum pay and they monitor very carefully your pay vs. hours worked. At Stanford, the only jobs available to us were working in the cafeterias or monitoring the weight rooms. Even in the Summer you were watched and any internships you had, were cleared by the University as having nothing to do with any alums. I had a lot of friends who were told they could not work certain jobs because of this.

I do not support paying college athletes, but these restrictions were too strict in my opinion.