Former Ohio State star Maurice Clarett received some amazing news this morning when he was released from probation two full months ahead of schedule according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Clarett was sentenced in 2006 to 7 1/2 years in prison for robbery and weapons convictions after robbing a couple in Columbus, and then later getting caught with a car load of weapons, a bullet proof vest and ammunition.
Franklin County Common Pleas Judge David W. Fais wanted to grant Clarett his release before he decided to officially step down from the bench.
Fais paid Clarett the ultimate compliment.
At a hearing this afternoon, Fais said that Clarett’s case was one of the “truly, truly wonderful success stories I’ve had as a judge” during 26 years on the bench.
“I am not rewarding Mr. Clarett,” Fais said. “Mr. Clarett is rewarding himself by what he accomplished” while on probation.
Since his release from prison, Clarett has worked to become a role model for young people, delivering motivational speeches and writing an autobiography, My Life. My Story. My Redemption.
Clarett, 31, helped lead the Buckeyes to the 2002 national championship.