Honesty
I’m a man and I struggle. I’m not speaking of anything specific. I’m just talking in general. Depression comes and depression goes. Inspiring thoughts come and they flee as fast as they come. Sometimes my spirit is in balance and at others it runs wild. I’m not afraid. I just get a little confused at times. I know which way is up and I know how to identify a weasel from a mile away. I know who I love and I know why I love them. I don’t claim to be omniscient but I do claim to be a survivor of the urban circumstances and experiences. Sometimes I think I’ve cheated or dodged my fate. Old thoughts often tackle my emotions and leave me paralyzed momentarily. Does anyone know what it feels like to be stuck mentally for days on end? Depressing thoughts are the invisible weight we all hate to carry but at times is inevitable. Above all, I shall continue to cruise along on this dry land doing whatever my heart desires. My effort in anything I’ve ever done has never been in question. It has just been my aim. I personally believe that I’ve been aiming too low. A body and mind full of endless possibilities that I cannot and will not waste it back here. I’m Youngstown’s own.
August 3, 2009 at 2:05 pm
#13 will always be special, get out and do what u do player!
August 3, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Everyday brings new challenges,thoughts,and emotions.We all deal with things differently.There is no right and wrong when it comes to peace of mind.You just continue to be MAURICE.Everything else will take care of itself.Love you,Coach Lee
August 3, 2009 at 9:29 pm
We’ve missed you, Maurice. Sometimes we all need time to give our minds and bodies a rest. You’re going to make it. We’re sending positive thoughts and love to you.
August 3, 2009 at 9:31 pm
People do make mistakes that’s what makes us human. But a real man learns from his mistakes and turns negative into positive and I hope that’s what happens in this situation because everybody should get a second chance.
August 3, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Hey Maurice, I hope you are all right man. I don’ think you have cheated your fate as much as your fate has cheated you. These stupid NFL and NBA entrance rules are stupid. If a man can really play, he should be allowed to play. I hope God has better things planned for you in the future. Take Care, -Amarjeet Singh
August 4, 2009 at 1:25 am
Keep grinding it out, and never let them get to you. You will have the last laugh.
August 4, 2009 at 8:50 am
Good to hear from you. I’ve missed your thoughts.
Keep your spirits and head high. People that count love you and even people like me that don’t know you have a love for you.
August 7, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Maurice, I’ve been through the perrils that you have, and I’ve come through the other side. Be strong, stay up and in shape and your chance will come. God bless….
August 7, 2009 at 2:14 pm
yo mr clarett, i must admit up until about 6 mos ago i hated you. the mere name of maurice clarett mentioned around me would instantly turn my mood from either good to bad, or from bad to even worse.
You see the thing that you have, the talent to play football at such a high level is all that i ever wanted. i always had the mind and the heart for the game, just couldnt even get my legs to do what my mind wanted them to, then i would turn on the television and watch how you just did it so easily and graceful and i loved it!, geez man you could take on LBs, truck over DBs and that cutback, wow!!..i was and still am impressed with that!..but then came all the BS that i dont need to go on about, and i was just kinda stuck looking at you and others players in your shoes and finding myself going from loving you guys to hating you from “throwing away” your talent!, i mean OMG if i had clarett’s physical attributes i wood be making 20mil+/yr, going to pro bowls, and living it up in a big ole mansion with my soul mate…then i came to the realization that its not you mr maurice clarett thats the problem…the problem came from me, i had sum unresolved issues within myself. once i really stareted to read into your story i see that ur no different than me, a young, bright, talented black man with conflicts and issues that we needed help with. you unforts ended up where you are, me i ended up leaving america and going to australia, where i get to do wat i love best, play football!, good luck to u mr clarett, i dont know if anyone will ever give u a shot again, if they do good one them and take that opp and run with it, if not then you know what to do, just continue to choose the right my brother!
August 7, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Stay strong young brother and keep learning and growing as a man. I grew up in the city of Warren, Ohio and I know you know it well. A small but tough town that can send young men and women down the wrong path if they don’t have strong role models and mentors to guide them. Our fate is chosen by the individual it falls upon, and it is up to you to create your own destiny. I wish you much success in your life! I will visit this site frequently and correspond with you often.
August 7, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I hope you have or will soon find peace in your life man. I loved watching you play ball but football is just a game. Graveyards are filled with great football players and there they are equal to all men.
August 7, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Maurice,
Give your mind a rest. Better days are right around the corner. So glad you are writing again. Take care
August 7, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Clarett, I understand your plight and much of what you had published. This is an opportunity to reflect on our past and prepare for your future. I appreciate a person who accepts responsibility. Guidance will be a major benefit for you when you are released. I pray that you find your situation as a part of God’s plan for your life. Prepare to live.
August 9, 2009 at 10:25 pm
your a true running back im 22 years old i played ball my whole life you were in college when i was a jr playin high school ball i read your profile on where you came from watching your friend get shoot and the struggle you have made it through i never understood the way a young black man that had nutthing just like me can make it to the big time and fall back but i think back and say your human i believe in you its been a while since ive played and ive just made my mind to go back so with all the hope that i can make it i know you can do it keep my name in mind keshun wallace i will keep in contact and look up to you for guidence even though your in a bad position you still made it possiable for me to hope and keep faith that i can make it out the hood too
August 10, 2009 at 10:50 am
Best wishes. KathyB
August 10, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Hello Maurice. I read your entry. You are experiencing life. Part of it is acknowledging our feelings and responding in appropriate ways. Also, the times we live in are changing as well. Some of this imbalance is a result of things being imbalanced. We have been taught one thing, and we live to see a reality that is extremely different. Some days we wonder, am I losing my mind. No Maurice, you are not confused, crazy or losing your mind. We live in a very crazy and ungodly world. If things seem upside down, good. That only means that you know it is supposed to be different. It is at this time that we ask for God’s mercy and grace. He will then order our steps, and he is where we seek out balance–not from the world. The world will mess you up every time.
Three things: Stay accountable for your responsibilities; Learn from our mistakes, and trust in God. He is our salvation not man.
Take care.
P.S. I think you made the right decision regarding your release. The climate out here is not ready for or to accept a redeemed soul. When you get out, it will be the right time. God’s time.
August 10, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Keep it up brother, I’m am glad to see that you have used your circumstances to your advantage. Many people point their problems out, and let them dictate who they are and what they are. We all make mistakes but its not about the mistake but its about the recovery. ((example)) In the national title game, O-state threw an interception (Mistake) but you chased the player down and took the ball back(Recover). Take the ball back #13..!
May Jesus Bless you Brother…
August 12, 2009 at 5:11 pm
I’m a few years older than you, but I always looked up to you. It sounds like you’ve got your head on right. When you get out… take care of your family… take care of your self… take care of your friends… THEN take care of football. You will forever be one of my favorite Buckeyes!
January 5, 2013 at 4:25 pm
Fabulous. I agree.
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