Clarett the Critic: I’ve Made Mistakes

A leaner, humbler Maurice Clarett spoke with reporters Thursday, the first day of the NFL’s scouting combine, and said he had matured in his two-year hiatus from football.

“I had to take a look at myself from outside,” said Clarett, the former Ohio State running back who unsuccessfully sued the league to be eligible for the 2004 draft. “When I looked at myself sometimes I kind of looked like a joke to myself. I guess it was a part of growing up and becoming who I am today.... I did do some things I shouldn’t have done. I’ve taken responsibility for all those things, and I’m just ready to move forward.”

Clarett hasn’t played since scoring the winning touchdown as a freshman in the Buckeyes’ double-overtime victory against Miami in the bowl championship series title game in January 2003. His college career was cut short after he was suspended for several NCAA improprieties and last year waged a court battle with the NFL to enter the league a year early.

On Thursday, Clarett underwent a physical at the combine as part of the league’s medical evaluation process, and he said he planned to sit for team interviews Saturday and -- unlike last year -- participate in the workout portion of the combine.

Clarett was criticized last year by several team officials for reporting to the combine out of shape and overweight.

“It’s kind of like a blessing I got a second chance to make a first impression,” he said.