Ex-Ohio State star Maurice Clarett spoke to Notre Dame on Sunday (Photos)

A few days after the school announced it was investigating itself for academic dishonesty involving four football players, Notre Dame welcomed an ex-college football star who was the center of an academic scandal during his playing days.

Former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett spoke to the Notre Dame football team Sunday after being invited by head coach Brian Kelly in a visit that had been set up before the news of Notre Dame’s investigation broke. Clarett, who now works as a motivational speaker, shared his story and offered advice to the team.

“I love speaking to the young ball players and sharing my story and what it is I 'wish I knew' then. I love being connected to the game,” Clarett wrote on his Instagram account.

After speaking to the team, Clarett thanked the Fighting Irish coaching staff and wrote that he has “lots of love” for the team.

“I could see that they wanted to listen to what I had to say. My experiences are helping other[s],” Clarett wrote.

Clarett was a star for the Buckeyes as a true freshman and helped the team win the 2002 national championship, but he never played another down for OSU after the national title game. He was suspended in 2003 for filing a false police report and receiving impermissible benefits. Clarett was also accused of academic misconduct during his time with the school.

He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 2005 NFL draft, but was released before the season began. He ran into off-the-field troubles in 2006 and was arrested and convicted for robbery.

After his release from prison, Clarett turned his life around and has worked as a motivational speaker, using his experiences to help others.

Clarett has spoken to other programs in the past and the timing of his appearance at Notre Dame definitely had to comfort the players whose teammates are going through a similar ordeal.

For more Notre Dame news, visit IrishIllustrated.com.

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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

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