Released from UCLA, LB Shirley joins Washington

After he was released form his letter of intent with UCLA following a June 23 arrest on suspicion of theft, Kaiser graduate Josh Shirley decided Thursday he will begin his college career at Washington, the school's Web site reported.

Shirley and two other incoming freshmen who were denied admission to UCLA are facing felony-theft charges that could be lessened to a misdemeanor after the three reportedly stole a purse. UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel left open a window for the three players to return to UCLA for the winter quarter but that is obviously no longer an option for Shirley, who reached a financial aid agreement with Washington.

"We are very aware of the circumstances surrounding Josh," Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian told GoHuskies.com. "We have done our due diligence and truly feel that this is not indicative of his true character or the way that he was raised."

Washington was one of the final schools Shirley was considering when rivals.com's No. 9 outside linebacker in the country chose UCLA over Miami, Arizona and USC in a signing day surprise. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Shirley was selected to the U.S. Army All-American game after a senior season in which he was named the CIF co-defensive player of the year in the Eastern Division.