In many people’s lives there comes a point where they realize that they’re not quite as big of a deal as they think they are.

Unfortunately, it often times isn’t realized until it’s almost too late.

Such was life for Maurice Clarett.

When you consider that Clarett basically had the world right where he wanted it in 2002 and then realize where he ended up just a few years later, it’s easy to see why Clarett has no trouble speaking to young people about decisions.

During the early years of his adult life, Clarett – the former Ohio State running back who helped lead the Buckeyes to the BCS Championship – made a lot of decisions. Outside of commiting to Ohio State University and getting to Columbus as an early entrant, most of them were poor.

After spending nearly four years in prison in northwest Ohio, Clarett is reformed, revitalized and anxious to continue to spread his message with the hopes that people – young and old – will realize that there are consequences for poor decisions.

Clarett – who has been on the speaking tour for a couple of years – made his first visit to the Ohio Valley last Thursday when he spoke to more than 100 student-athletes at Bethany College.

“My background is so extensive that I can basically talk about anything and not have it come across as disrespectful to anyone,” Clarett said. “It won’t seem improper because it’s a story that everyone knows, basically. I want to be very accurate with my words and speak very specifically about my actions.”

Many of those in attendance for Clarett’s speech were extremely young when Clarett ripped the ball away from Sean Taylor after an interception or when he dove across the goal line that night in Tempe, Ariz., with what proved to be the game-winning touchdown, giving the Buckeyes the national championship.

However, since Clarett’s life was so accurately presented in the ESPN 30 for 30 series, “Youngstown Boys” in 2003, most had a very firm grip on all of Clarett’s antics.

Unfortunately, when you talk about Clarett’s antics, one must also talk about the affect drugs, alcohol, entitlement and hanging out with the wrong people had on his life that seemed to be headed for multiple Heisman Trophies and a lengthy NFL career.

“(My relationship with Ohio State) was bad from 2003 to 07, but after you gain an understanding of and take a responsibility of the events that happened, you’re just a person evolving,” Clarett said. “Everything I did made sense at the time. The illegal stuff and other things that I shouldn’t have been doing made sense at that time, so I didn’t feel like I was doing anything wrong.”

The NCAA launched an investigation that led to 125 violations, he was dismissed from the Ohio State football program and basically relegated to a life of a crime. He did have a shot at professional football after the Denver Broncos drafted him in the third round of the 2005 draft.

Again, he couldn’t overcome the drugs. He admitted during his more than 70-minute speech that he would attend meetings and practices hung over and/or intoxicated. Despite the urgings of then Broncos’ head coach Mike Shanahan to seek help, Clarett continued to believe he was in charge of his life.

It took the aforementioned prison sentence after he led Columbus police on a high-speed chase that caused Clarett to contemplate opening fire on police or himself. Instead, he opted to take his medicine and it’s a decision that’s actually worked out.

In prison, Clarett became an avid reader, studying business and economics.

That knowledge has paid off since Clarett was granted an early release from his prison sentence.

Clarett hasn’t given one thought to reverting back to his old lifestyles. He told the crowd he doesn’t hang out with any of his ‘buddies’ from his past, he’s re-enrolled at Ohio State and is engaged to be married to the mother of his daughter.

The speeches aren’t because Clarett wants to hear himself talk or he’s so proud of himself. He wants to make sure others nip their problems in the bud before it becomes too late.

“You’d be surprised how many people just don’t know how to figure out problems or are uninformed,” Clarett said. “A lot of people may not have the skill set or confidence to ask someone else for help.”

There have been times that Clarett has met with a member of his audience after the speech to offer even more advice.

Through it all, Clarett, who admitted that he had scaled his schedule at OSU way back during the spring of 2002 to classes such as softball and golf, has learned the value of teaching.

“The importance of words and the importance of being open and vocal has also really set in for me during the speeches,” Clarett said. “The impact that one individual can have is pretty incredible. There are times when you can see someone’s eyes light up with a spark because they get what you’re saying.”

An area that college athletes – whether it be at the Division III level like Bethany or at the major college level like Ohio State – battle a sense of entitlement. Whether it’s playing time, coaching decisions or temptations away from the field, it comes down to decisions.

“Everyone was a star at their high school in some capacity and that (entitlement) comes with it,” Clarett said. “It’s not about criticizing a person because they have the feeling, but instead it’s about treating those people and helping those people.”

Don’t count Clarett as one of the motivational speakers who is content just reaching one person during a speech.

“I want to reach as many people as possible,” Clarett said. “If you’re a quarterback, you don’t want to go out and throw 50 passes with the hopes of hitting one target. My intention is to touch as many people as I possibly can.

“I like when I walk away (from these speeches) it gives another idea or topic of discussion and it’s not always about Xs and Os,” Clarett said. “Figuring out who we’re really dealing with and what homes we’re really walking into is big to be able to articulate some of this.”

Clarett has spoken to colleges, civic groups and churches all over the country. Often times, the message is basically the same. Because it’s his story and one that can legitimately apply to everyone.

“It all depends on who you’re talking to and often times the administrative staff has some different topics they may want you to hit on,” Clarett said. “Since they’re behind the scenes, they may realize there are different things that need addressed, but they don’t have the proper form to do it.”

Personally, I thought the speech was poignant and well received. Clarett was an outstanding football player, who made plenty of bad decisions. But, he’s also reformed and now is doing more for society than most folks could ever dream.

“There is some stuff in the speech that might not be politcally correct, but it forces people to think about how they really consider themselves,” Clarett said. “These things challenge you and put you on your own self-discovery mission.”

As he’s grown up and matured, Clarett has patched up his differences with Ohio State University. There are no hard feelings.

“I love it,” Clarett said. “Being a little bit older, more mature and educated, I realize that Ohio State didn’t do anything to me. I put myself in situations I wasn’t supposed to be in, so the big lesson is don’t put yourself in situations where you have opportunities to do things wrong.”

Point well taken, Maurice!

It’s a point that needs to be driven home to area high school students, too. Hopefully, this isn’t the final visit to the Ohio Valley for Clarett because his words are powerful and well received.