winklogo200.png

Court Officially Ends Clarett's...

May 24, 2004 - A federal appeals court formally ruled in favor of the NFL’s draft eligibility rule...

Our Latest Book is Out
Explore the 1925 NFL season and the saga of an NFL franchise the Pottsville Maroons

Marooned:The Rise, The Fall, and The Redemption of the NFL's Pottsville Maroons

Greatest Pro Team
Who was the MOST DOMINANT team in Pro Football History? We have the answer in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book

The World's Greatest Pro Gridiron Team
We have placed some product links on this page. If you purchase by clicking on them, we will get a commission to use to help with operating costs.
EVENTDAY | May 24

"Court Officially Ends Clarett's NFL Battle"

Last updated 📅 2025-05-24

May 24, 2004 - A federal appeals court formally ruled in favor of the NFL’s draft eligibility rule in former Ohio State University player Maurice Clarett’s lawsuit, citing federal labor policy in permitting the NFL and the Players Association to set rules for when players can enter the league.

Our Newspapers.com Football History Headline of the day comes from the Tampa Tribune on May 25, 2004 with their headline of:

The former Ohio State star runner had declared himself ready for the NFL Draft after his outstanding freshman season for the Buckeyes, but the rule in the NFL is that a player must be three calendar years removed from high school before gaining eligibility. Clarett had other motivations to join the NFL other than financial ones. He had been suspended after his initial NCAA season, where he scored 16 TDs and helped Ohio State win the National Championship. The NCAA suspension was related to Clarett accepting money from a family friend and then lying about it to both Ohio State and the NCAA. Maurice Clarett would finally become eligible for the NFL draft a year later in 2005.

The Denver Broncos took him with the final pick in the 3rd round (101st overall) but after inking a deal against his agents wishes and having an unimpressive training camp as he arrive 20 pounds over weight, the Broncos cut him on August 28, 2005. He never played a down in the NFL but did play some minor league professional football.

  • HASHTAGS: #May24 #MauriceClarett
  • EVENTDAY: May 24
  • FOOTBALL NAME: Maurice Clarett
EventDay

" On This Gridiron Day"

May 24th marks a significant date in football history, the shared birthday of several impactful players who left their mark on both the college and professional game. From dynamic running backs to dominant linemen and versatile defensive talents, this single day has gifted the sport with a diverse array of athletes who achieved notable success and earned lasting recognition for their contributions on the field.
Continuing the legacy of May 24th, we remember Clinton Jones, the electrifying halfback from Michigan State who achieved All-American status and later showcased his skills in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings and the Chargers franchise. Also born on this day was John Ferraro, a standout offensive tackle for the USC Trojans, whose collegiate dominance earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame. These players represent the dedication and talent that emerged from college programs and shaped the landscape of professional football. Finally, May 24th connects us to stories of both triumph and transition. The legal battles and post-football life of a player like Maurice Clarett serve as a cautionary tale, while the impactful careers and enduring legacies of players like Clinton Jones, the collegiate foundation of John Ferraro, and the unique harmonious journey of Mike Reid, who transitioned from NFL lineman to Grammy-winning songwriter, highlight the varied paths and lasting impressions of those born on this notable day in football history...

Proud to Support The Professional Football Researchers Association
To learn more about joining the go to The Official PFRA Website. _________________________

Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there! Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch _________________________

Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in othre team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch. _________________________