Clarett is Not Done: Even though Maurice Clarett is eligible for the NFL draft in April, he is still asking the Supreme Court to hear his appeal. Standing probably will not be an issue, because although declaratory relief (i.e., an injunction mandating that the NFL make him draft-eligible) will be moot, Clarett could still get monetary damages for not being able to pursue his career.



Although I disagree with his legal position, it is good to see that he still believes in the merits of the debate (or at least, his lawyers do). I see no chance that the Supreme Court will take the case, but you never know until you try. And, it exposes the Court to the issue so that when it arises again (and it will arise again), the Court may be more inclined to hear it. Given the bulldog strategy of the NFL to litigate all claims and the increasing number of talented underclassmen (i.e., Adrian Peterson), the Supreme Court most likely will one day have a say on this matter, like they did in baseball free agency and basketball draft eligibility.



Turning to the sports side of things, how high will a Maurice Clarett or a Mike Williams go in this year's draft? Almost certainly not as high as if they had stayed in school and played to the same level of their first season(s). I believe Williams will go high because of the success of Willis McGahee. Many people thought the Bills were crazy for taking McGahee so high because of the devastating knee injury he suffered in his last college game. But he rehabbed and returned to the same level of greatness he exhibited in college in the second half of this season. Thus, most teams would expect that Williams, despite the rust of a year off, will return to the same greatness he exhibited at USC.



Clarett is a tougher case. He will certainly be drafted in the first five rounds, but teams will be wary because (1) he played only one season in college and (2) that was two years ago. Was the one season a fluke? Will he be in any kind of game shape? Will be remember the little things that turn a good player into a great one, but can only be gained against real football competition? A team could get a great steal with Clarett, or a great bust. It will be an interesting pick to watch.

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