COLUMBUS, OHIO ? When the day comes that Maurice Clarett can be released from prison 31â2 years from now, the former Ohio State football running back’s life story will hardly have been told in full.

If his lockup ends on the earliest possible date, Clarett, who struck an unexpected plea deal Monday for robbery and concealed weapons charges, will be 26 years old. His 8-week-old daughter, who was present for his sentencing, will not yet have turned 4.

“It’s in a range that will allow him to get his life back together after his release,” prosecutor Ron O’Brien said.

Judge David Fais announced the agreement on the day Clarett’s aggravated robbery trial was to begin. He was sentenced to 71â2 years with release possible after 31â2 years, and five years of probation.

A bearded Clarett, wearing handcuffs and jail-issue clothing, remained expressionless throughout Monday’s hearing.

“I’d like to apologize for my behavior, and I accept the time that was given to me,” Clarett said when asked if he wished to address the court.

After the judge accepted the deal, Clarett looked over at his mother in the first row of the gallery. She was sobbing and holding his infant daughter while sitting next to his girlfriend.

The 22-year-old Clarett was accused of holding up two people outside a bar. The concealed-weapon charge was from Clarett’s Aug. 9 arrest after a highway chase with police, who found four loaded guns in Clarett’s sport utility vehicle.

Had Clarett been convicted on all charges, he would have faced three to 34 years in prison. Assistant prosecutor Tim Mitchell said he expects Clarett will serve just over four years, with his last six months spent at a community-based facility.

As a freshman tailback, Clarett led Ohio State to the 2002 national championship. That was the last time he played for the Buckeyes. He was suspended for lying to NCAA investigators before the 2003 season and dropped out of school. The Denver Broncos made Clarett a surprise third-round pick in the NFL’s 2005 draft, only to cut him during the preseason.

“It’s really a shame that someone puts themselves in that position,” Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said Monday. “I’m just hoping when he does get out that he’s learned his lesson and comes back with a mind-set that he’s going to be productive (in society).”