NFL Extends Deadline, Asks for Stay on Clarett Decision

As a result of the ruling Thursday in the Maurice Clarett lawsuit, the NFL has extended the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the 2004 NFL Draft to March 1st for college football players in their first or second year and any high school players that harbor fantasies of making the jump to the pros. Underclassmen who were already eligible for this year's draft, but failed to file the necessary paperwork by the original January 15th deadline, will not be allowed to declare this time around.

Any prospects who would like to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis must apply for an invitation by February 15th to receive consideration. The combine begins February 18th.

The NFL has also indicated they will ask the federal court to issue a stay in the Clarett case until an appeal can be heard. The judge has set a hearing to review the case on Wednesday, and it's possible the request for the stay will be discussed at that time.