Coleman Says His Season Is Not Over

Defensive end Kenyon Coleman said Tuesday he has not abandoned hope of returning this season, even if just for one or two games. Coach Bob Toledo said Monday that it was “very doubtful” Coleman would play again this season.

“I appreciate that they’re trying to look out for my best interest, but when I’m ready to play I’m going to come back,” Coleman said. “I don’t look at it as a waste to play one or two games.”

If he cannot return this season, Coleman said, he would opt for a medical redshirt and play for UCLA next season rather than jumping into the NFL.

Coleman, a preseason All-America candidate, underwent knee surgery Sept. 19. He said he was scheduled to resume running this week, five weeks into a rehabilitation period estimated at four to six weeks, but inflammation in the knee prevented him from jogging.

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In the weekly officiating evaluation each team files with the Pacific 10 Conference, the Bruins objected to several calls in made Saturday’s loss to Oregon State, most notably the sack that ended the game--an in-the-grasp call that prevented quarterback Cory Paus from trying one last pass--and the absence of a pass interference call when an Oregon State defender jostled receiver Freddie Mitchell in the fourth quarter.

Conference officials review each evaluation, grade the officials and report back to each team. Pac-10 officials acknowledged referee error in the Oregon game, when Mitchell was ruled out of bounds on a catch, depriving the Bruins of a touchdown. Replays showed Mitchell had one foot in bounds.

“They’re human. They make mistakes,” Toledo said. “It’s too bad when those mistakes have an effect on the outcome of the game.”

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Robert Thomas, a semifinalist for the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker, said doctors have not determined whether he suffered a stress fracture or high ankle sprain Saturday. Thomas was on crutches Sunday and wore a protective boot around his ankle Tuesday, and he is doubtful for Saturday’s game at Arizona. Sophomore Marcus Reese is expected to start if Thomas cannot. . . . The Bruins shifted two players to defensive end: Steve Morgan, from defensive tackle, and Chris Jackson, who has played tight end, linebacker and fullback in three years at UCLA. Senior Kory Lombard, a walk-on awarded a scholarship this year, will see action at defensive tackle.