Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engines - craftsman riding lawnmower stuck in "park"

I know the unit doesn't have a "park" but it's wheels are locked (with about 2" play and hard solid stops at each direction) as if it was in park. It starts but as soon as I release the brake/clutch and step on the gas it stalls trying to move the locked wheels. Also the transit lever/bolt on the back side of the machine doesn't free up the wheels like it's supposed to. Am I missing something? When we put it away for the winter (same as we've always done)it was fine. Thanks for any ideas.

Sounds like your brake has locked up or in a bind.
You did not post the model # so it is hard to know exactly.

Follow the linkage from the clutch pedal back to your rear axle housing where it connects to the brake and make sure the brake is releasing.