NEW YORK (AP) - A federal appeals court Monday blocked former Ohio State sensation Maurice Clarett and other young football stars like him from entering the NFL draft this weekend.

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the NFL demonstrated that it will probably prevail in arguing that high school stars and college underclassmen should not be allowed to turn pro.

Clarett, a 21-year-old sophomore, had challenged the NFL rule that requires a player to be out of high school for three years before entering the draft. The NFL argued that the rule is for young athletes' own good, because it is designed to make sure they are big enough and strong enough to play with the pros.

In February, U.S. District Judge Shira Scheindlin sided with Clarett, declaring that the NFL rule violates antitrust law by preventing young athletes from pursuing their livelihoods. She ruled that underclassmen should be allowed to turn pro.

But the appeals court Monday blocked Scheindlin's ruling while it takes up the issue.

''We are pleased that the court has issued a stay,'' NFL lawyer Jeff Pash said. ''We are grateful for the prompt attention the court has given to this matter and we await its decision on the merits.''

Clarett will be eligible for the draft next year. As a freshman, Clarett rushed for 1,237 yards and led the Buckeyes to a national championship. But Ohio State suspended him before last season for accepting money from a family friend and lying about it.

Scheindlin's ruling could open up the NFL to young phenoms the way the NBA has done. Dozens of basketball players, including Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, have gone to the NBA straight after high school in recent years, becoming instant celebrities and signing endorsement contracts that make them millionaires before the ink is dry on their diplomas.