(not that it really matters) http://www.gomemphis.com/mca/tigers_football/article/0,1426,MCA_651_2007221,00.html
Means can play in fall By Phil Stukenborg [EMAIL PROTECTED] June 3, 2003 University of Memphis defensive lineman Albert Means, the former high school all-American from Trezevant High, will be academically eligible to play this fall. Means played for the Tigers in 2001 after transferring from the University of Alabama, but sat out last season as an academic casualty. During his year away from the football field, Means made a determined, and successful, attempt to regain his eligibility. He passed 24 hours during the fall and spring semesters and made the honor roll in the spring, according to Becky Kolenbrander, the U of M's academic adviser for football. While he doesn't need additional hours in the summer to remain eligible, Kolenbrander said Means will take two summer courses. "I worked with him beginning in August when I came here (from Virginia Tech)," Kolenbrander said. "He really started using our help and our services and started finding the right support and wanting the support. Once he got that, he started getting the grades." Kolenbrander said Means is on track to graduate in December 2004. Tiger coach Tommy West, reached Monday at the Highland Hundred golf tournament at Wedgewood, said he was particularly pleased at Means's efforts in the classroom. "He's done a great job (to regain his eligibility)," West said. "And he has done this on his own. I'm excited for him. He dug himself a hole and now he has dug himself out of it." Means left Alabama after the 2000 season when reports surfaced that his services had been sold unwittingly to the Crimson Tide by Lynn Lang, his high school coach. The NCAA granted Means an exemption in the unique case and, instead of having to sit out the 2001 season under the organization's transfer guidelines, he was ruled eligible. In his first season at Memphis, Means played in each of the team's 11 games and finished with 51 tackles, the seventh-highest team total. He also had four tackles for loss and a sack. His return will boost a defensive line that lost starters Tony Brown and Boris Penchion, but Means, a defensive tackle, will have to have a productive offseason. "He is not in shape, but he'll get in shape," West said. "But he's been busy putting this other thing behind him." The academic misfortune last year paled in comparison to the unwelcome spotlight Means has basked in since his recruiting scandal became public. Two years ago, former Trezevant High assistant football coach Milton Kirk revealed how he and Lang shopped and sold Means during his senior year. In November 2002 Lang pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering and is awaiting his July 31 sentencing. Lang admitted to receiving $150,000 from Memphian Logan Young to steer Means to Alabama in February 2000. The alleged payment was the most notable of several NCAA violations that led to Alabama being placed on five years probation. Young has denied any wrongdoing. - Phil Stukenborg: 529-2543 ______________________________________________________ RollTideFan - The University of Alabama Athletics Discussion List "Welcome to RollTideFan! Wear a cup!" To join or leave the list or to make changes to your subscription visit http://listinfo.rolltidefan.net
