Supreme Ruling: Clarett Out

According to Associated Press reports, the United States Supreme Court refused Thursday to overrule a lower court decision blocking former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett from entering this weekend's NFL Draft. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said she saw no reason to overturn a lower court's stay, which means that the only way the controversial running back will be in an NFL uniform in 2004 is if he wins his original lawsuit and forces the NFL into immediately holding a supplemental draft.

The latest ruling also means USC's Mike Williams, a top-15 prospect, will not be eligible for selection on Saturday. His future is also clouded by the fact that he is likely no longer eligible to play college ball since he has hired an agent, a violation of NCAA rules. Williams has filed his own lawsuit against the NFL.

Meanwhile, draftniks everywhere, including yours truly, are scrambling to update their latest mock drafts as the final hours leading up to the first pick are quickly winding down. No doubt I'll be burning the midnight oil to get this monster reloaded, but what the heck. Look at the bright side of this huge mess...

I've got a little jump on next year's draft coverage!