Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 21, 1995 TAG: 9509210091
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: CORAL GABLES, FLA. LENGTH: Short
Linebacker James Burgess, the team's second-leading tackler last year, will start Saturday against Virginia Tech after serving a two-game suspension. He was acquitted Saturday in Dade Circuit Court of two misdemeanor counts of battery on an officer and resisting arrest.
``From the time I walked out of the courtroom, it was all football,'' Burgess said.
Since his June arrest, Burgess maintained his innocence. Twice he turned down plea deals to settle the issue with a few hours of community service.
``One of the most important things he needed to focus on was not just trying to get reinstated, to get the eligibility back,'' Miami coach Butch Davis said Tuesday, ``If he truly felt like he had been wronged, to clear his name.''
Burgess, 21, was arrested June 20 after an altercation at a night club. Davis, who had just begun his first year with the beleaguered Big East program, suspended Burgess, saying he violated an unspecified team rule.
His return undoubtedly will spark a young team that has no interceptions and has given up an average 191 yards rushing per game, compared to 96.8 last year.
by CNB