-- Word on the street is that they will play this weekend and may start against USF....big boost to the WVU defense to get two starters back

Jackson


Thomas, Lankster Reinstated
By WVU SID Release

Posted Sep 20, 2007


West Virginia Head Coach Rich Rodriguez has announced that Ellis Lankster (DB, 5-10, 190, Jr.) and J.T. Thomas (LB, 6-2, 200, r-Fr.) have been reinstated to the Mountaineer Football Program.


Lankster and Thomas have entered into a pre-trial diversion agreement with the State of West Virginia in regards to the previous charges that had been entered against them.

Both will dress for Saturday’s home game against East Carolina at Noon, but neither will start.

“As many of you in this community know, I was involved in an incident that has caused a great deal of disappointment and embarrassment,” Thomas said. “This last month has been very difficult for me and my family, because of action I have brought upon myself. I have brought embarrassment to myself, my family, my teammates, this University and the State of West Virginia.

“For that I apologize from the bottom of my heart to all of those I have affected. I know that actions speak louder than words, and I know that I am going to have to prove myself all over again. Whether in the classroom or on the field, I promise to work hard to regain the trust and credibility from all of those people I have let down. I thank the University and Coach Rodriguez for their understanding and their support.”

“I sincerely apologize to West Virginia University, my teammates, coaches and fans for my recent lapse of judgment,” Lankster said. ”I regret my actions and the embarrassment that I have caused to those closest to me. I appreciate the opportunity to return to WVU football and will work hard to demonstrate my commitment to those who have so generously given me the chance to return to the WVU football team.”

Lankster, Thomas nor Coach Rodriguez will have any further comment

I wonder what the fallout will be from this. Positive or negative?

What were they accused of?

Stealing a laptop and other incidentals. I forget what all it was.

They fessed up when caught and returned everything, and now they've apologized and have to do community service to avoid any official record. We'll see what happens in the future. By the time their time in Morgantown is concluded, we'll know whether this was a good idea or not.

Hey bit, what did they do without THE computer?

They got suspended. That's what happened without it.