Isu Players Won’t Return

Idaho State University officials say they made no promises to football players Brion Bethel, Thomas Washington and Ike Johnson that, if they pleaded guilty to misdemeanors, they would be allowed to remain on the team.

Athletic Director Kelly Wiltbank and Jan Anderson, dean of students, made that assertion at a meeting over disciplinary action against the three players.

The players were kicked off the football team after pleading guilty to misdemeanor battery. Each claims he thought he would be allowed to continue on the team if he pleaded guilty, and even coach Brian McNeely said he had that understanding.

The players and two former players were charged with statutory rape after 14- and 15-year-old girls reported they had sex with players. The charges were later reduced to misdemeanor battery.

Wayne Hogan, Florida State assistant athletic director for communications, was introduced as the new athletic director at the University of Montana. Hogan is 39.

UCLA linebacker Donnie Edwards has been suspended by the NCAA for Saturday’s game against Arizona because of his alleged involvement with a sports agent, the school said. He was suspended Monday by UCLA, which immediately petitioned. The NCAA denied the petition.