Full DMN story on Willis reinstatement: Slater will start

[Big10Ponyfan]

SMU QB Willis reinstated

08:27 PM CDT on Thursday, October 12, 2006

By KATE HAIROPOULOS / The Dallas Morning News


UNIVERSITY PARK – SMU reinstated quarterback Justin Willis to the football team Thursday after the conclusion of a university investigation.

Coach Phil Bennett said backup Corey Slater would start Saturday against Marshall, but that Willis will play.

Willis, a redshirt freshman from Denton Ryan, will abide by unspecified sanctions resulting from the Office of Student Life's investigation, according to a university statement.

Willis practiced with the team Thursday for the first time since last Friday's walkthrough at UT-El Paso. He stayed on the field throwing after most of his teammates had left.

Bennett would not make Willis available for comment.

"We were fair," Bennett said. "It's been a nuisance for a team that's trying to get where they need, trying to play for a championship. We've got to move on."

Willis was suspended 24 hours before kickoff last week for punching another male student at a gathering at an off-campus residence. Willis claimed the student had harassed and stalked him for nine months. The alleged victim called the assault a hate crime, though Dallas Police haven't classified it as such.

Dallas Police are still investigating and plan to interview the alleged victim. No charges have been filed.

University officials said that if charges were to be filed against a student-athlete, the athletic department would evaluate the situation, and the athlete could be subject to athletic department sanctions. Since Willis has already gone through the university judicial process, his standing as a student would change only if the Dean of Students considered him a threat to the campus.

"Several factors have influenced the decision to reinstate Justin," athletic director Steve Orsini said in the release. "He is remorseful and contrite and has apologized for his actions. He understands that this was not acceptable behavior, and he has been penalized."

Bennett addressed the team about Willis' return before practice Thursday.

Center Ben Poynter said he and other offensive linemen made it a point to welcome Willis back to the field.

"We high-fived him, told him, 'We're proud you've got it taken care of. Come on back,' " Poynter said. "We still love you. You're a good kid, everyone makes mistakes.' "

Slater, who started in SMU's 24-21 loss last week in El Paso, has said he would prepare to be the starter this week, no matter what. Bennett said Willis wasn't starting because of the time he missed.

SMU (3-3, 1-1 Conference USA) was on a three-game winning streak before Willis' suspension. The program must now turn the focus back to what has been identified as the crucial season in Bennett's five-year tenure.

"That's the challenge," Bennett said, "We've got to get focused on this game."

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Marshall (1-4, 0-1) at SMU (3-3, 1-1), 2 p.m., Saturday (KTCK-AM 1310, KTDK-FM 104.1)

[Cadillac]

Nobody tell my wife! She's going to be pissed. I've never seen someone more angry at a backup QB. She has some kind of love-crush on Willis I think.

-CoS [/u]

[J.T.supporta]

Lets just hope your wife's love crush doesnt become stalking and harassment.