Published: May 21, 2008 02:09 am      

John Holmes could return to Mountaineers

MORGANTOWN — The first steps have been taken to clear the way for linebacker John Holmes to rejoin the West Virginia University football team, and head coach Bill Stewart indicated he may rejoin the team for summer workouts on a non-scholarship basis, the Times West Virginian learned Tuesday.

Holmes was arrested along with defensive lineman James Ingram and receiver Ed Collington on Feb. 5 on drug charges after a speeding stop. After noticing a strong smell of marijuana in the car, officers found individually packed bags of marijuana in Ingram’s shoe and on the floor where he was seated.

Ingram indicated there was marijuana also at his apartment. Armed with a search warrant, Monongalia County police found 23.5 grams of marijuana at his apartment.

Stewart dismissed all three players immediately after the incident.

Ingram recently pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors — possession of marijuana and conspiracy to possess marijuana — and was given two years probation.

Collington pleaded not guilty and is awaiting a July 22 trial.

Holmes’ case, according to Stewart, has been lowered to a misdemeanor, and he has been cleared to re-enter school.

Holmes met with Stewart Tuesday morning to work out details.

“It was a case of being with the wrong people at the wrong time,” Stewart said of Holmes’ involvement in the matter. “He’s paid a high price for it, an expensive price. It’s come as a high cost to him.”

According to Stewart, Holmes had not been in any trouble until the arrest.

“If you can save one life in a life in lifetime, you do it,” Stewart said of his decision to try to get Holmes a second opportunity.

“This is just beginning,” Stewart continued. “I will talk with our seniors about it. We’ll see what happens this summer. If he meets all the requirements, he can come back to the team, but it’s a long way until August.”

As for Ingram and Collington, Stewart said there was “no chance” of them being reinstated on the football team.

Strictly from a football standpoint, having Holmes back would be an important addition to the defense, especially with standout middle linebacker Reed Williams’ injury situation still unsettled.

Williams underwent surgery to correct problems in both shoulders and missed spring practice. The team’s leading tackler last year is still not 100 percent.

“He’s such a conscientious kid, a T-crosser, an I-dotter that he’s worried about time,” Stewart said of Williams. “He’s healed but he’s not 100 percent, and we won’t take any chances with our players.”

If Williams isn’t ready for the season, he does have a redshirt year left.

“It would be a beautiful time to redshirt him because are well covered at linebacker,” Stewart said, but added he would like most to have him and his speed on the field this year.

E-mail Bob Hertzel at bhertzel@hotmail.com.