Clarett Decides to Skip Combine Workouts

Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett has done little to endear himself to the NFL, and he continued that trend Thursday when he announced he would skip Friday's workouts at the scouting combine because he wants more time to train. The controversial running back, who weighed in at a portly 237 pounds, said he would not participate in the Ohio State workout in early March either. Instead, he will hold his own personal workout in early April.

According to Associated Press reports, more than one NFL personnel evaluator was upset by the decision.

"That's a farce,'' Buffalo general manager Tom Donahoe told reporters. "That was expected but that's ridiculous.''

Detroit Lions president Matt Millen added, " I just want to see what he looks like. We've got to do our homework and he's got to do his.''

With this latest turn of events, Clarett's workout in April will be of supreme importance. He already carries a lot of baggage into this draft, and now teams are going to question his dedication after seeing the condition he is in right now. He appeared to have maneuvered into a solid second-round selection before the NFL Combine, but with a poor individual workout, he might still be on the board when the second day rolls around.