Maurice Clarett, once a troubled Ohio State linebacker and more recently a valued mentor for the Buckeyes, is giving back to the Central Ohio community in another way.
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 2 to appoint Clarett to the Franklin County Parks and Recreation Board, a volunteer position.
Maurice Clarett high-fives Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) after an NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on September 6, 2025. Ohio State won 70-0.
“Thank you to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners for appointing me to the Franklin County Parks and Recreation Board. It is an honor to serve on the board,” Clarett said in a post on X.
Clarett was a freshman at Oregon State University in 2002, helping the Buckeyes win a national championship. But he was suspended as a sophomore and faced legal trouble in the 2000s.
He has been on the right track since his release from prison. He is a motivational speaker and has coached college athletes across the country.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day brought Clarett back to Ohio State about a year ago, where Clarett has been coaching football players.
More county commissioners news: Franklin County commissioners approve another security contract citing ideological extremism
Government and politics reporter Jordan Laird can be reached at jlaird@dispatch.com. Follow her on X, Instagram and Bluesky: @laird writes.
This article originally appeared in The Columbus Dispatch: Franklin County Park Board adds Ohio State football’s Maurice Clarett
