Clarett Wants in 2004 NFL Draft
Sunday September 14, 2003
NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue told reporters Sunday that Maurice Clarett's attorney sent a letter to the league and NFL Players Union executive director Gene Upshaw on Thursday, asking the league to change its rules on eligibility and allow the suspended Ohio State running back to enter the 2004 NFL Draft.
Clarett's attorney Alan Milstein asked for an immediate response to his request for a meeting on the matter, which the NFL granted, setting a meeting between the two parties' attorneys for sometime in the next two weeks. Milstein indicated that his client would sue the NFL if it would not waive the rule that would keep Clarrett out of the NFL until 2005.
Currently, the NFL Draft eligibility rule requires a player to be three years removed from high school before he can enter the draft. Clarrett's graduating class will only be out two years when the 2003 NFL Draft rolls around.
This commissioner has made strong statements regarding his feelings of support on the current eligibility requirements, so this case seems destined to end up in court. And although Clarett may have a good case based on a person's right to earn a living in his chosen profession regardless of his age, it may not do him much good in the long run.
If this situation has to be resolved in court, which it appears it will, the NFL has the lawyers and resources to drag this case out long after the 2004 draft. If Clarrett decides to press the issue anyway, he will most likely see someone else reap the benefits of his efforts.
Clarett's attorney Alan Milstein asked for an immediate response to his request for a meeting on the matter, which the NFL granted, setting a meeting between the two parties' attorneys for sometime in the next two weeks. Milstein indicated that his client would sue the NFL if it would not waive the rule that would keep Clarrett out of the NFL until 2005.
Currently, the NFL Draft eligibility rule requires a player to be three years removed from high school before he can enter the draft. Clarrett's graduating class will only be out two years when the 2003 NFL Draft rolls around.
This commissioner has made strong statements regarding his feelings of support on the current eligibility requirements, so this case seems destined to end up in court. And although Clarett may have a good case based on a person's right to earn a living in his chosen profession regardless of his age, it may not do him much good in the long run.
If this situation has to be resolved in court, which it appears it will, the NFL has the lawyers and resources to drag this case out long after the 2004 draft. If Clarrett decides to press the issue anyway, he will most likely see someone else reap the benefits of his efforts.
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