(SUBMISSION) Maurice Clarett ruled eligible for April's NFL Draft (moved from ATSNN)

In a landmark decision today Judge Shira A. Scheindlin has ruled that suspended Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett is eligible for the NFL Draft. The judge ruled on Thursday that the NFL rules that prevented players from entering the draft until they have used up 3 years of eligibility in violation of antitrust laws.

The ruling could lead the way for high school prospects to go straight to the NFL such as with the NBA�s new star Lebron James. The NFL has not commented on the ruling but is expected to appeal the decision.

Clarett, 20, played just one season at Ohio State, leading the Buckeyes to the 2002 national championship. He was barred from playing in the 2003 season for accepting improper benefits from a family friend and then lying about it to investigators.

Clarett sued the NFL last summer to challenge the league rule that a player must be out of high school three years for draft eligibility. Thursday's ruling, if not successfully appealed, could allow teenage football stars to take advantage of the marketing and business opportunities available to young athletes in other sports.

news.yahoo.com




[Edited on 5-2-2004 by BlackJackal]