Seminoles’ Pittman Can Rejoin Team

Florida State postponed a one-semester suspension for Julian Pittman, clearing the way for the fifth-year senior to rejoin the football team.

The suspension will instead take effect in January when the second semester begins.

“This action is in keeping with the university’s goal of not only penalizing students when they violate conduct rules, but also working with them to support their educational progress and degree completion,” Jon Dalton, vice president for student affairs, said in a written statement. “The university is applying this sanction at a later time so as not to require Mr. Pittman to forfeit his 1997 fall semester academic work.”

Pittman, a defensive tackle, entered a no contest plea in September to illegally entering the apartment of a former girlfriend, then using her credit card without authorization.

Although Pittman has not played all season, he has continued to practice. Coach Bobby Bowden said he planned to break Pittman in slowly today against North Carolina State.

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Boston University football players, upset over the school’s decision to cancel the program after this season, say they will cover up the school’s name on their jerseys and helmets for their remaining four games, starting today against Connecticut.

The Boston University Board of Trustees decided a week ago to drop football, which costs approximately $3 million a year, and use the money on other sports.