COLUMBUS, Ohio - Maurice Clarett filed an emergency appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday to try to force his way into this weekend's NFL draft.
Clarett's attorney, Alan Milstein, asked for a stay of a decision by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal preventing the former Ohio State tailback from entering the draft.
Monday's decision put on hold a lower-court ruling that said the NFL can't force players to wait three years after high school before turning pro.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will handle the case.
Clarett was ruled ineligible as a sophomore at Ohio State for taking money from a family friend and for lying to investigators. Clarett, 20 and out of high school two years, would be eligible for the draft next year under current rules.
Gary Roberts, a Tulane law professor and antitrust expert, told the Los Angeles Times it was highly unlikely the Supreme Court would grant Clarett's request.
"I would be shocked if the Supreme Court spent more than 30 seconds considering this," Roberts said. "I think he's just flailing in desperation. There's no other option for him. But it's not going to happen."
House wants a veterans salute at Super Bowl
TALLAHASSEE - State House members are looking for a different kind of halftime show when the Super Bowl comes to Jacksonville next season.
The House passed a resolution (HR 9085) Tuesday asking for a musical salute to "America's Greatest Generation" - those who fought in World War II - for the halftime show of Super Bowl XXXIX on Feb. 6 at Alltel Stadium.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league appreciates the Legislature's interest, but he said no decisions have been made.
BENGALS: Jon Kitna signed a one-year extension. Kitna, who had his best season as QB in 2003 before being demoted to backup last month, is signed through 2005. Terms weren't released.
COLTS: Offensive tackle Ryan Diem and guard Rick DeMulling re-signed, each for a one-year deal worth $1.368-million.
DOLPHINS: Backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels was re-signed to a one-year contract. Rosenfels is third on the depth chart behind Jay Fiedler and A.J. Feeley.
RAMS: Two-time NFL MVP Kurt Warner expects to be released after being told he won't be the starting quarterback next season, his agent, Mark Bartelstein, said. Warner was given permission to contact other teams. Coach Mike Martz met with Warner and starter Marc Bulger to tell them of the decision, Bartelstein said. St. Louis probably will wait until after June 1 to cut Warner to reduce the effect on the salary cap.
