This is pretty big. These guys were going to start this season before the incident. WV needs to keep showing they've improved their defense and these guys play, they could help impact that. </p>MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – (September 20, 2007) – West Virginia Head Coach Rich Rodriguez has announced that Ellis Lankster (DB, 5-10, 190, Jr.) and J.T. Thomas (LB, 6-2, 200, r-Fr.) have been reinstated to the Mountaineer Football Program. Lankster and Thomas have entered into a pre-trial diversion agreement with the State of West Virginia in regards to the previous charges that had been entered against them. Both will dress for Saturday's home game against East Carolina at Noon, but neither will start. "As many of you in this community know, I was involved in an incident that has caused a great deal of disappointment and embarrassment," Thomas said. "This last month has been very difficult for me and my family, because of action I have brought upon myself. I have brought embarrassment to myself, my family, my teammates, this University and the State of West Virginia. "For that I apologize from the bottom of my heart to all of those I have affected. I know that actions speak louder than words, and I know that I am going to have to prove myself all over again. Whether in the classroom or on the field, I promise to work hard to regain the trust and credibility from all of those people I have let down. I thank the University and Coach Rodriguez for their understanding and their support." "I sincerely apologize to West Virginia University, my teammates, coaches and fans for my recent lapse of judgment," Lankster said. "I regret my actions and the embarrassment that I have caused to those closest to me. I appreciate the opportunity to return to WVU football and will work hard to demonstrate my commitment to those who have so generously given me the chance to return to the WVU football team." Lankster, Thomas nor Coach Rodriguez will have any further comment.
