COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett blames athletes rather than coaches and boosters for the culture that created problems in the Buckeyes’ football program.
Clarett also questioned the foundation of big-time college football, where universities make millions off athletes yet the players get in trouble for accepting small amounts of cash, during an interview Wednesday on The Dan Patrick Show.
As a freshman in 2002, Clarett led Ohio State to the national title. He was later suspended by the NCAA for taking improper benefits and never played another game. He ended up serving 312 years in prison for a holdup outside a Columbus bar.
Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel was forced to resign last week due to a scandal in which Ohio State players accepted cash and tattoos.