Colleges

Suspended Gator returns

DT Marcus Thomas, suspended two weeks ago for a failed drug test, is reinstated and likely will play Saturday vs. LSU.

By ANTONYA ENGLISH
Published October 6, 2006

GAINESVILLE - Florida defensive tackle Marcus Thomas was reinstated to the team two weeks after he was suspended indefinitely for failing a drug test.

Thomas, who has played just two games this season but is tied for the team lead in sacks (three), is expected to play Saturday when the fifth-ranked Gators host No. 9 LSU, coach Urban Meyer said Thursday.

The senior from Jacksonville was suspended Sept. 20. At the time, his mother, Sheila Mote, said Thomas tested positive for marijuana in July, then failed a second test. Thomas filed an appeal on the grounds the second test was conducted too soon after the first, his mother said.

"The committee has heard an appeal from Marcus Thomas and made a recommendation to amend his sanctions," Meyer said in a statement. "The appeal process followed the proper procedures of the committee, which included a recommendation that is made independently by the committee and then approved by the athletic director and the president of the university. Marcus still has some work ahead of him, but he has been granted the opportunity to play in the LSU game. Beyond that, he will continue to have a set of responsibilities and obligations for which he will be held accountable."

Speculation that Thomas would return intensified this week when he was seen working out on his own and participating in conditioning drills at the Florida practice field before team practices.

Meyer said the individual workouts were not as intense as team practices and he isn't sure whether Thomas will be ready to play Saturday.

Thomas was suspended for the season opener, then missed games against Kentucky and Alabama. Thomas was a preseason All-SEC selection and a vital part of the front seven, but his teammates have prospered despite his absence. Florida leads the SEC in rushing defense and is third in total defense.

"I think he's a very good football player," Meyer said. "He's a good chemistry guy on the team, he's invested a lot into this program. Obviously having him in here is going to help, but we also played pretty good without him.

"It's important. Is it the catch-all? Absolutely not. We proved that the last couple of weeks."

[Last modified October 6, 2006, 01:40:32]