Steven Clarke

Steven Clarke (born April 19, 1991) is an American former professional football defensive back. He attended the Vanderbilt University where he played college football for the Vanderbilt Commodores. In 2023, Clarke pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor, for which he was sentenced to 21 months in jail.

Early life

Clarke played high school football for Boyd H. Anderson High School, where he was a defensive back, wide receiver, and running back. He was captain of the team in his final two years, and received All-State and All-County honorable mentions in his final year at Boyd Anderson. As a senior, he recorded 87 tackles, two sacks, and four interceptions as a defensive back, adding four touchdowns on the offense. From 2010 to 2013, Clarke played for the Vanderbilt Commodores as a cornerback and kick returner. Appearing in 49 games, he recorded 61 solo tackles and an interception during his four years with the Commodores.

Professional career

Miami Dolphins

Clarke went undrafted in the 2014 NFL draft and was later signed by the Miami Dolphins as a free agent. He played in three preseason games with the Dolphins, but was released from the team on August 26 before the start of the regular season.

BC Lions (first stint)

The BC Lions signed Clarke in September 2014 to their practice roster. He made his CFL debut against the Ottawa Redblacks on October 11, 2014, recording three special teams tackles. He went on to play one more game for the Lions in his rookie season. He started 15 games that year, while playing in 16, recording 48 tackles and one interception.

Tennessee Titans

On January 11, 2016 Clarke signed a reserve/futures contract with the Tennessee Titans. The deal is for 2 years and is worth $990,000. On May 9, 2016, he was waived.

BC Lions (second stint)

Following his release from the Titans, Clarke returned to the CFL, re-signing with the Lions on May 24, 2016.

Columbus Destroyers On March 6, 2019, Clarke was assigned to the Columbus Destroyers. On April 13, 2019, he was placed on recallable reassignment and became a free agent.

Lawsuit and conviction In October 2014, Clarke was one of ten named plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit against several major broadcasting companies and NCAA athletic conferences seeking compensation. In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs alleged that the images of college athletes in the Football Bowl Subdivision and men's basketball Division I were improperly used without permission. While student athletes are required to sign forms allowing the NCAA to "generally promote" college sporting events, the athletes claimed that this term was overly vague and did not provide permission to commercially use their names or images.

In 2023, Clarke pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor, for which he was sentenced to 21 months in jail. He will be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years.