Ramirez, Lockett release
UCLA announced that tailback Christian Ramirez is academically ineligible for the season also announced what was reported by the Daily News last week, that strong safety Bret Lockett is suspended for season opener against Tennessee because of a violation of the team's academic rules.
Here is the release from UCLA:
RAMIREZ INELIGIBLE FOR 2008 FOOTBALL SEASON;
LOCKETT TO MISS FIRST GAME
UCLA junior tailback Christian Ramirez will not compete for the Bruin football team this season because he did not meet NCAA eligibility requirements.
"This is unfortunate for Christian and for our team" said head coach Rick Neuheisel. "I'm sure Christian will work hard to ensure this situation does not occur again. The rest of our running backs will just have to step up."
Ramirez will have two seasons of eligibility remaining and can count 2008 as a redshirt season.
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UCLA senior strong safety Bret Lockett has been suspended for the 2008 season opener against Tennessee for a violation of team policy concerning academics. He will be able to practice when camp opens on August 5 but will miss the game on Sept. 1.
"We expect our players to follow our team and department rules," said head coach Rick Neuheisel. "There will be penalties when there is a violation of those rules. Bret understands that he made a mistake."
This probably answers my question about school standards. The school allows probation - but you cannot play.
This news on Christian Ramirez is very disappointing. He is from Imperial and represents all the Imperial Valley. We from a small town have to do it better and serve as an example. I hope he gets back on track as his football career is a distant second in importance when compared to the education opportunity afforded to him by an institution like UCLA.