TM

SoCal College News Report

UCLA: Kris Is Back; Jelani Status
Unchanged--(November 17, 1997)

I guess you've got to go all the way to Arizona to get good information on the UCLA Bruins. Yesterday we passed along some information from Javier Morales, a sports writer for the Star-News, who said that he thought there was a good evidence that Johnson (and McCoy) would be back in uniform with the Bruins, sooner rather than later.

This afternoon, the Associated Press, ESPN and all the other wire services reported that Johnson has been "partially reinstated" by UCLA (whatever that really means). Actually it means that he's been cleared for practice and other team functions, but not to play yet.

We think it means that he could be back playing with the team by the time of the Alaska Shootout at the end of the month when UCLA matches up against North Carolina; certainly he'll be back playing by the start of the Pac-10 opener.

And not a moment too soon.

The reports circulating on the news wires say that Johnson has now met all criteria required for reinstatement (translation, he's completed his prescribed "program"), and will be allowed to participate in practices and other team functions now, but "has not been reinstated for games -- a decision that will be made at a later date" according to the AP's report.

UCLA also announced in a press release issued today that the status of center Jelani McCoy "remains unchanged." He has not met the "criteria necessary for reinstatement and remains suspended. His situation will be reassessed at a later date," according to ESPN.

Lavin's prepared statement said that "Kris made a mistake, but he has been diligent in completing the tasks necessary for reinstatement to practice. I'm sure he has learned a lesson from this situation that will help him throughout the rest of his life. He has worked hard and appears to be in outstanding shape. It will be great to have him back at practice and we'll worry about when he can play in games at a later date."

Yeah, like tomorrow.

Lavin's prepared statement also said that "Jelani has also made progress, but not enough for reinstatement. I know he wants to be a member of the team again and he knows what he has to do to accomplish that goal. We will continue to support both of these young men because they are members of our basketball family."

The word circulating among some folks who claim to be close to the program is that Johnson will not start playing until after the Alaska Shootout, and that McCoy will not actually be reinstated until the Pac-10 season opener.

Better late than never.

But sooner is better than later.

At least we think so.

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