ESPN's New "30 For 30" Film Tells Dual Narrative Of Clarett, Tressel

ESPN on Saturday at 9:00pm ET will air "Youngstown Boys," a new "30 for 30" film focusing on former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel and RB Maurice Clarett. The documentary, directed by brothers Jeff and Michael Zimbalist, relates a "dual narrative of hometown heroes Clarett and his mentor" Tressel. The story begins with Clarett in high school and "moves through years of Clarett and confidants seen at the center of controversy, and later crime" (YOUNGSTOWN VINDICATOR, 12/11).

The TOLEDO BLADE's David Briggs writes the two-hour film "offers a gripping look at two local stars," but some "deceptive editing threatens to undermine the credibility of the work." The CANTON REPOSITORY's Todd Porter writes viewers "will come away with an appreciation" for what Clarett and Tressel "went through to change the running back from the tough streets of Youngstown."