ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Last week, an Ohio University student alerted me of a blog entitled "The Mind of Maurice Clarett," which featured frequent posts from someone claiming to be the former Ohio State star running back, who is currently serving a prison sentence for robbery and carrying concealed weapons.

After reading several of the extremely well-written posts, I became interested, albeit skeptical. A call to the Toledo Correctional Institute, where Clarett is serving his sentence, didn't do much to validate the blog's authenticity. A prison official told me the inmates have no regular access to computers, though Clarett could be mailing letters to someone else to post on the blog.

Clarett's sister confirmed Monday to ESPN.com's Gene Wojciechowski that the blog is, in fact, Maurice's, and The Columbus Dispatch reported about Clarett's blog today. The former Buckeyes running back sends letters to relatives, who update the blog on a regular basis.

No matter what you think about Clarett, one of the most tragic figures in recent college football history, his blog is worth checking out.

You'll be surprised at how rarely he discusses football or Ohio State, though there are some references:

"This is my inspirational speaking and consciously thinking forum. This is how I plan on networking to begin public speaking. I love the question and answer format. I enjoy giving to others what so many have given to me during this time away. Remember that when you mention Ohio State and you begin to mention some of the 'greats,' don't forget to mention Maurice. When you put the photos in your memorabilia books, don't forget #13. I inspired my '02 class. I made them believe. I was our leader and source of inspiration. I was the big brother. 14-0 felt good and please remember that I closed the deal in the big game. The next deal I plan to close is that regarding my college education. Trust and believe, when I return to the Shoe I will leave with my degree."

Clarett clearly hasn't lost his ego, but he also appears to have gained some perspective in prison. Much of his blog focuses on discussions with other prisoners, his attempts to further his education and his optimism for the future. According to the blog, Clarett is enrolled at Ohio University and pursuing a degree in geriatrics and gerontology.

Here's another passage from an entry on Feb. 18.

"At The beginning of this prison sentence I would have been willing to bet my life that I would have never read anything from Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Descartes, Spinoza, or Hume. I learned a very valuable lesson. That is: not to be closed minded to everything. I guess you have to gain some type of understanding on certain subjects in order to see if it is or is not for you. In this case, I can see that philosophy is for me. It adds value to my life. Philosophy goes beyond the classroom."

He also writes about being hopeful for his release from prison. Clarett was sentenced to three and a half years in September 2006.

"I had a chance to get outside and run sprints on the track today," he wrote on Feb. 11. "It felt so good to feel the fresh air. The facility does not have windows in the cell that I can open, so I don't get a chance to feel nature that often during the winter months. Today was an exception though. I had a blast just running on the yard. I felt like a little kid inside. It felt like the energy of the earth would have allowed me to run all day long. We only have recreation for two hours and I enjoyed it all. I appreciated the time I did get.

I now wonder to myself, 'is this what life is all about?' Am I supposed to find true happiness in the things I can't buy? Am I supposed to enjoy more of life's simple pleasures like this? After all, it was just me and Earth. At that moment, the prison walls did not exist. Now that I say that, I want to remind everyone that they shouldn't feel sorry for me because I am not suffering. I may be in a situation that isn't ideal, but I am free in my mind and at heart. My mandatory time is almost up and hopefully, the judge will see it fit to give me an early release based on my growth. I am optimistic that the judicial system will."