Former Ohio State football star Maurice Clarett seeks early release from prison _ again

Ex-Ohio football star Clarett seeks prison release

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Former Ohio State football star Maurice Clarett is again seeking early release from prison.

Clarett, who scored the winning touchdown for the Buckeyes in the 2002 national title game, has filed a motion asking a judge to release him. No court date has been set.

Clarett withdrew a similar request filed with the Ohio Parole Board last year. He’s hoping to pursue a football career,

Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien said Tuesday he’ll wait for a prison report on Clarett’s conduct before deciding whether to support or oppose early release.

Clarett pleaded guilty in September 2006 to having a hidden gun in his SUV and holding up two people outside a Columbus bar in a separate case. He was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison with possible release in 3 1/2 years.