NEW YORK, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- A federal judge ruled Thursday that running back Maurice Clarett, who played just one season at Ohio State, is eligible for the NFL draft.
U.S. District Judge Shira A. Scheindlin said that to keep Clarett out of the draft would violate antitrust laws. NFL rules state a player must be out of high school for three years before he can be drafted.
After his freshman year at Ohio State, Clarett was suspended by the school for accepting improper benefits from a family friend and then lying to investigators.
"I was pleased with the judge's ruling," Clarett said. "It gives a lot of kids an opportunity to choose a different path."
The NFL will appeal the ruling, which could postpone a final decision until after the April draft. The league contends the draft is not in violation of antitrust because it is part of a collective bargaining agreement.
