The NCAA said Wednesday it tried but failed to talk with former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett last year during its investigation of the school.
“Not once did Mr. Clarett respond to our repeated requests to meet with investigators or provide information,” David Price, NCAA vice president of enforcement services, said in a statement. “Specifically, over the course of a month in November and December 2004, phone calls were placed to Mr. Clarett’s reported cellphone numbers, relatives, former legal representatives and friends. But the messages left were never returned. In addition, attempts to contact him in person failed.”
Clarett was selected by the Broncos in the third round of this year’s NFL draft. He began practicing with the Broncos on Monday when the team opened its two-week quarterback camp.
Clarett’s agent, Steve Feldman,declined comment Wednesday.
The NCAA outlined nine violations against Ohio State on Monday, but it did not verify Clarett’s allegations that coaches and boosters arranged for him to get passing grades, cars and thousands of dollars. Nor did the NCAA report address Clarett’s most controversial allegation: that coach Jim Tressel arranged for players to receive free cars and improper academic assistance. Clarett has been unavailable for comment. He is scheduled to meet with reporters Friday at the Broncos’ facility.
