Former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett signed a contract today with the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League.
"I am humbled by the opportunity the Omaha Nighthawks have given me and will dedicate myself on and off the field to prove that I can be a valuable member of the team and the Omaha community," Clarett said in a statement. "I am committed to working hard to earn the right for a second chance in football and more importantly in life."
Clarett, 26, has not played football since being released by the Denver Broncos during training camp in 2005. He was arrested on Jan. 1, 2006 after robbing a couple at gunpoint outside a Downtown bar and again later that year while wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying four guns in his car.
He pleaded guilty in September 2006 to aggravated robbery and carrying a concealed weapon. He was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison but was granted early release after 3 1/2 years.
Franklin County Common Pleas Judge David W. Fais last week granted a request by Clarett to travel to Nebraska for a tryout. Clarett worked out for the team Sunday.
The Nighthawks said in a release that Clarett would participate in his first team practice today and will be available to talk to media on Wednesday following the team's morning practice session.
"The team and I are excited to have Maurice Clarett join the Nighthawks family," Nighthawks coach Jeff Jagodzinski said in a statement. "He will be treated just like every other player on the roster and will be expected to perform to the best of his abilities both on and off the field."
UFL Commissioner Michael Huygue added, "I met with Maurice Clarett today and additionally reviewed all of the reports surrounding his circumstances. I support allowing his return to football and believe he will make the most of this opportunity."
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