Midweek notes & observations

Maurice Clarett is in for a tough fight against the NFL powers. Plus notes on the Bucs, Pats, Jags, Raiders & more.

Updated: September 25, 2003, 12:00 PM ET

By Randy Mueller | ESPN NFL Insider

It's not a slam-dunk that Maurice Clarett will win his case against the NFL and be allowed into next year's draft. Lots of high-powered decision-makers are lining up against the 18-year old. NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, NFL Players' Association president Gene Upshaw and several highly influential college coaches all have voiced concern over the case.

Protecting what's "good for the game" at all levels has always been high on the priority list of the league and the NFLPA. This one would open a can of worms that nobody wants to tackle. If the case should ever make it to court I'd bet some type of one-time exemption would be worked out as opposed to allowing a judge to make a ruling that would open the flood-gates to others.

Elsewhere around the NFL this week:

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