Aug. 4
While I'm a college-hoops guy, I'm a big-time sports fan, baby! I love watching all sports, whether it's tennis at the U.S. Open, baseball (I'm a Devil Rays season-ticket holder) or college football.

	Clarett

I'm not a football expert like Mel Kiper Jr., but I'm sick and tired of reading about the situation surrounding Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett. Clarett's attorney, Scott Schiff, reportedly claims that the running back could be forced out of college and might then petition the NFL for a shot at the pros.

So Clarett reportedly might challenge the rule that says you can't enter the pro draft until your high school graduating class has been out for three years.

Let me tell you something: Nobody is forcing Mr. Clarett out. He has created his own dilemma. He isn't a little kid, and he should know right from wrong. It's about time he looks in the mirror and decides to act like a genuine Buckeye.

There is no doubt about Clarett's talent. You don't have to be a genius to understand he's one of the most talented young runners out there. It's about time he focused on being a collegiate student-athlete and not worry about all the other nonsense that creates problems. For instance, there was the merchandise stolen from a car he was using and the controversy that followed over what Clarett claimed the items were worth.

He must be driving Ohio State athletic director Andy Geiger crazy. Geiger is a good man who loves college athletics. He has worked diligently at every program he's been at, including Stanford, Maryland and Ohio State.

Clarett is playing for Jim Tressel, a coach who wants to do everything the right way. Tressel toiled for years at a mid-major level before going to Columbus, Ohio. Fans have a tremendous love affair with Buckeye football there, and Clarett played a vital part in last year's national championship.

It's time for Clarett to grow up. He's not a little kid. It's time to act like a man.