LSU head football coach Les Miles reinstated three of his players after charges of burglary against them were dropped.
Quarterback Anthony Jennings, defensive back Dwayne Thomas, and defensive lineman Maquedius Bain were arrested June 18 and were suspended from the team shortly after. Despite their reinstatement, Miles said he will likely punish them in another manner, ESPN reported.
In the meantime, Jennings, Thomas, and Bain will be allowed to participate in training camp. That will be especially important for Jennings, whose arrest and suspension put in jeopardy his participation in the Tigers' starting QB competition.
"The decision is based upon the request of the victim that no charges be filed and inconsistent and contradictory statements provided," East Baton Rouge district attorney Hillar Moore said in a statement obtained by ESPN. "Although the conduct of these students in this situation is unacceptable, it is not one, based on the facts, that warrant prosecution, although their actions could have subjected them to such."
According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Moore also indicated the decision to drop the charges was related to LSU and the football team's potential to punish the players.
"It was more of a trespass than an unauthorized entry. The LSU Police did a great job taking statements, video tapes and police lineups," he said. "I believe LSU will sanction these students appropriately, the Dean of Students and the football coaching staff."
A few days before their arrest, Jennings, Thomas, and Bain apparently entered someone else's room on campus by breaking the locks. They seemed to be trying to recover items Jennings previously reported stolen: a PlayStation 4, a laptop, and three pairs of sneakers.
Jennings said Bain recovered the laptop, but ESPN noted, the three players were said to have left the apartment with a PlayStation 4 and three pairs of shoes.
