Ohio State legend calls his $70 million shot at Alabama while Kalen DeBoer comes under fire in wake of Week 1 loss
It’s never a bad time to throw some doubt and shade on a rival when you can. The Ohio State Buckeyes continue to roll on with strength, leaping up to the No. 1 team. Meanwhile, the Alabama Crimson Tide lost in Week 1, looking far from the physical and disciplined powerhouse Nick Saban had built. […]
It’s never a bad time to throw some doubt and shade on a rival when you can. The Ohio State Buckeyes continue to roll on with strength, leaping up to the No. 1 team. Meanwhile, the Alabama Crimson Tide lost in Week 1, looking far from the physical and disciplined powerhouse Nick Saban had built.
Even former Ohio State star rusher Maurice Clarett had to chime in on the future of DeBoer and Alabama. With Alabama entering a pivotal season where it boasts an elite recruiting resume, an intriguing five-star quarterback on the bench, Ryan Williams, and enough talent to compete in the conference, it was surprising how the team struggled against a completely rebuilt Florida State roster.
The Tide fell, 31-17, and Clarett’s sentiment has gained some momentum.
Maurice Clarett Favors Firing Kalen DeBoer at Alabama
The cost of firing DeBoer would be a staggering $70 million, but it’s also hard to imagine boosters would be happy losing battles to log the first down, yards, penalties, and the time of possession. It was as if Florida State was just taking the game and Alabama’s old scripts and applying them to the less talented team.
Clarett tweeted: “It’s my personal opinion that if Kalen Deboer continues to struggle down in Tuscaloosa and that if it became known that @barstoolgruden was interested in coaching at Bama that they’d happily pay that buyout of $70 million and bring Gruden in. Alabama has taken a backseat to Texas and Georgia. I can’t imagine that, that sits well with their board of trustees, fan bases and overall brand. Football generates tons of revenue for these towns. You have to have a great product to advertise and get people excited about. You have to have recruits and you need to raise money. All of that starts and ends with football in Bama. I wish the best of luck to Deboer but premium coaching roles bring premium pressure.”
Gruden had previously stated, “The only reason I really came here is because I want to coach again,” Gruden said. “I’m being honest with you. I do not bullsh** either. I want to coach again. I’d die to coach in the SEC. I would love it. I would fing love it. I’ll let you guys this… what I know about the SEC is it’s getting harder. The SEC is getting harder. They tell me Texas is in the SEC. They tell me Oklahoma is in the SEC. G*damn.”
Clarett had a tremendous, though complicated, football career at the Ohio State University. He arrived in 2002 as one of the most celebrated recruits in college football and quickly made a name for himself as a star player for the Buckeyes.
During his freshman year, he made an immediate impact by rushing for 1,237 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns, which helped lead Ohio State to a national championship victory in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl against Miami. His performance in that game was particularly significant; he rushed for 47 yards and scored a crucial touchdown, playing an essential role in clinching the title.
Clarett’s success stemmed from his unique blend of speed, strength, and vision, establishing him as one of college football’s most exciting running backs. Unfortunately, his tenure at Ohio State was overshadowed by off-field problems, including a suspension for violating NCAA rules.
In 2003, he was found to have committed several infractions, such as accepting improper benefits and lying about them, which led to his suspension from the team and ultimately motivated him to leave college football prematurely.
After declaring for the 2004 NFL Draft, Clarett faced challenges regarding his eligibility, as league rules stipulated that players must be at least three years removed from high school. Following a legal dispute, he was permitted to enter the draft; however, his stock had diminished due to his limited playing time and off-field controversies.
The Denver Broncos selected him in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft, but his career in the NFL was brief, hindered by legal issues and personal difficulties.
