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Friday, Oct. 03, 2008

UK football player returns to school

Appeals board lifts Cobb's suspension

University of Kentucky football player Ashton Cobb's temporary suspension has been lifted, and he will be allowed to return to school pending further disciplinary proceedings, the uncle of Cobb's accuser said Friday.

The woman's uncle, Jason Workman, said Cobb and two teammates testified Thursday before a university appeals board made up of students and faculty. Cobb also submitted written character statements from 15 people.

Cobb's ex-girlfriend, who says Cobb threatened to rape and kill her, also testified. The woman's mother did, too, said Workman.

The board found that Cobb is not an immediate threat to himself or others, Workman said.

On Wednesday, Cobb pleaded not guilty to charges of stalking and terroristic threatening. Lexington attorney, Jim Lowry, entered the plea on Cobb's behalf.

Workman said a disciplinary hearing has been scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday on campus.

Tony Neely, a UK football spokesman, declined to say whether Cobb, a junior safety, will play Saturday at the University of Alabama.

"He is proceeding with the student disciplinary process," Neely said. "That is all I can say."

The ex-girlfriend declined to comment Friday on the advice of her attorney, Workman said.

Cobb's father, Wayne, declined to comment.