COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : UCLA : Miller-Walker Decision Due

A university decision on the status of linebacker Jamir Miller and nose guard Bruce Walker is expected this week, Coach Terry Donahue said Sunday.

The two, along with a third student, Raul Martinez, were suspended from university activities, but not from school, upon their arrest on charges of receiving stolen property--stereo and computer equipment taken from UCLA dormitories--on April 15. They pleaded no contest in Santa Monica Municipal Court last Monday and were sentenced to three years probation and restitution. Miller also received a suspended two-year jail sentence.

The decision as to whether they can return to football is being made by Dean of Students Ray Goldstone, who is expected to consult with Athletic Director Peter Dalis and Donahue, as well as with other university personnel.

A source close to the situation said that it would not be surprising to see Walker and Miller handled differently, because there was some question as to the degree of involvement by each.

“Apparently, the third student (Martinez) told police Miller didn’t have anything to do with it,” the source said.

Prosecuting attorney Richard Stone had said his case against Miller was weaker because of Martinez’s talk with authorities. Miller was charged with a misdemeanor, Walker with a felony.

Miller and Walker have continued to attend UCLA, taking summer courses, but they have not been allowed to use the university weight room for workouts since their suspension.

Miller, from El Cerrito, Calif., was UCLA’s sack leader as a sophomore last season and tied for the lead the season before. Walker, a 318-pounder from Compton, has started for two seasons.

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Daron Washington, the leader among returning backs with 447 yards and five touchdowns last season, was among Bruins singled out for praise during early workouts. Washington had an up-and-down season in 1992, rushing for 114 yards against San Diego State but falling to third on the depth chart by season’s end. He is expected to carry much of the rushing and backfield receiving load. . . . Donahue said other incoming freshmen “who caught my eye” were defensive tackle Travis Kirschke, a prep all-American from Anaheim Esperanza High, and defensive back Andy Colbert, from Pasadena Muir. . . . Academic casualties include running backs Chris Alexander, who had 100-yard games against Cal and Oregon State last season, and T Ford. . . . Workouts will continue in shorts and helmets through Tuesday, with pads being donned for full-contact practices Wednesday in twice-daily sessions. A scrimmage is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Rose Bowl, after a meet-the-players session.