As part of its critically-acclaimed 30 for 30 documentary series, ESPN Films will air Youngstown Boys on Dec. 14, following live presentation of his this year's Heisman Trophy ceremonies.
Directed by Jeff and Michael Zimbalist, Youngstown Boys tells the tales of one-time Ohio State legends and hometown natives Maurice Clarett and Jim Tressel. Clarett starred as the leading rusher on the team's 2002 national championship team and Tressel served as his coach before both infamously flamed out at OSU and left the program in disgrace.
"Youngstown Boys explores class and power dynamics in college sports through the parallel, interconnected journeys of one-time dynamic running back Maurice Clarett and former elite head coach Jim Tressel," the network said in a release. "Both emerged from the working-class city of Youngstown, Ohio before they joined for a magical season at Ohio State that produced the first national football championship for the school in over 30 years."
But that's pretty much where all the glory ends. Shortly thereafter, Clarett was suspended from college football for, among other transgressions, accepting improper benefits. That began a downward spiral that ended in both drug addiction and prison time. Tressel lasted at OSU several years beyond Clarett, but his end was also highlighted by scandal.
Youngstown Boys features interviews from Clarett and Tressel, as well as Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Brown and former Ohio State QB Craig Krenzel.
"At its core, the story of Maurice Clarett and Jim Tressel is about fathers and sons, said co-director Jeff Zimbalist. "In addition to their record-breaking exploits on the playing field and involvement in two of college football's biggest backroom scandals, we were drawn to the layered saga of 'The Senator' and 'The Beast' because it transcends sport. In examining the interconnected rise and downfall of these two men from opposite sides of the Youngstown tracks, we discovered the deep role that family plays in any quest for greatness."
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