Clarett faces charges for armed robbery

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Former Ohio State football star Maurice Clarett appeared in court in handcuffs and jail-issue clothing Tuesday when a judge set bond at $50,000 on charges that he robbed two people with a gun in an alley behind a bar.

Clarett, who helped the Buckeyes win the national championship in 2002, did not enter a plea and did not speak in court. His next hearing is Jan. 12.

He was released from Franklin County jail after posting bond that had been set by Judge Amy Salerno. Each of the two charges of aggravated robbery carries a possible sentence of three to 10 years.

"We are looking forward to investigating the allegations," Clarett's attorney, William Settina, said outside court. "That's all I can say."

After spending the better part of two days wanted by police, Clarett surrendered Monday night, about the time the fourth-ranked Buckeyes were completing a 34-20 win over No. 5 Notre Dame in Tempe, Ariz., for their third Fiesta Bowl victory in four years.

The 22-year-old Clarett was wanted since early Sunday, when police said he flashed a gun and demanded property from a man and a woman behind the Opium Lounge in downtown Columbus.

Police said he fled with two men in a sport utility vehicle after he was identified by the bar owner, who happened to come out into the alley. No one was injured, and only a cell phone was taken from the alleged victims, police said.