14 Bruins Charged With Getting Passes for Handicap Spots

Fourteen current and former members of the UCLA football team, including several starters and key reserves, were charged Thursday by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office with illegally obtaining handicap parking passes for use on and off campus.

The misdemeanor offenses carry a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine for each of the 15 counts--and a public relations black eye of felony proportions for the team and the athletic department.

Coach Bob Toledo and Athletic Director Pete Dalis are both on vacation, but issued statements.

“The situation was recently brought to our attention and we have cooperated fully with the UCLA Police Department during its investigation,” Dalis said. “We certainly do not condone the actions of the individuals involved. No one in the athletic department was aware of the situation until it was brought to our attention by the UCPD.”

Said Toledo: “Speaking for the football program, I am embarrassed and disappointed for the young men who were involved in this problem. I have spoken to the team as a whole and to the individuals involved, and those individuals will be disciplined by me. This is not how I expect players in my program to act--that has been made very clear to these young men.”

What is unclear is exactly what those disciplines will be, whether Toledo will suspend a large group of players for the Sept. 4 season opener against Boise State at the Rose Bowl or take a tougher stance of more than one game for some.

There was no immediate word when any such actions will be announced.

The 14 will be arraigned July 28. They are:

* Damian Allen, a defensive back who quit the team last season and also participated in track.

* Marques Anderson, a part-time starter in the secondary.

* Ali Abdul Azziz, a reserve last season who was first on the depth chart at outside linebacker in spring practice.

* Oscar Cabrera, a starting guard.

* Deatra Clinton, a walk-on linebacker in 1995 and ’96. He is charged with two counts after obtaining two of the placards.

* James Ghezzi, a reserve offensive lineman.

* DuVal Hicks, a defensive back who was a senior last season.

* Ryan Nece, a starting outside linebacker.

* Durell Price, the starting fullback.

* Mark Reynosa, a senior last season who was primarily used on special teams.

* Ryan Roques, No. 1 on the depth chart in spring ball at one cornerback spot.

* Robert Thomas, a reserve linebacker.

* Craig Walendy, who split time with Price at fullback last season as a senior.

* Tony White, the starting middle linebacker.