TicketsJuly 3, 2008
CINCINNATI - University of Cincinnati Director of Athletics Mike Thomas announced today that UC student Alex Daniels will join the Bearcats' football team and begin summer workouts in preparation for the 2008 season. Daniels transferred to UC after being dismissed last year from the University of Minnesota football team.
"This decision was discussed in great detail and I have decided Alex earned an opportunity to join the football team," said Thomas. "Any time you have to make a decision like this you have to analyze it on a case-by-case basis, examine the circumstances, and make the determination based on the person's character and the facts in the case. After reviewing the circumstances and his situation, I believe he understands what he did was wrong and he has made the necessary changes to put his life back on track. His performance in the classroom and his behavior since arriving in Cincinnati suggests that he is solidly committed to being a successful student-athlete and a productive member of society."
Daniels spent last year in Cincinnati after he was admitted to Raymond Walters College in the fall and winter, and subsequently to the University of Cincinnati's main campus. He was admitted to the College of Arts and Sciences this spring and has met all the NCAA eligibility requirements to participate at UC after transferring from the University of Minnesota.
"I first want to thank Mr. Thomas for letting me join the UC football team and giving me another opportunity to earn my college degree and play football," said Daniels. "I will work hard in the classroom, on the football field, and in life to earn every ounce of respect I receive from my teammates, coaches, the University, and its fans. I am sorry for my actions that led to my dismissal from the University of Minnesota football team and have apologized to those I disappointed, especially my family."
As a member of the Minnesota football team in 2005 and 2006, Daniels played in a combined 23 games as a linebacker and running back for the Gophers. In the 2006 season opener, he earned the Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week after tallying 155 yards rushing and three touchdowns vs. Kent State. Coming out of high school, he was considered to be the 11th best athlete overall by Rivals.com and the 108th-best player overall by CollegeFootballNews.com.
"Football is a sport that requires a great deal of fortitude and Alex has shown me his by taking care of business in the classroom and putting himself in the position to get this opportunity from Mr. Thomas," said head coach Brian Kelly. "Mike Thomas did a thorough job preparing to make this decision and now it is up to Alex to follow through. We have an agreement that he is going to meet the high expectations we set for all student-athletes at UC."