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Pitrucha back on SOSU football team
The Southeastern football team has reinstated quarterback Justin Pitrucha who had been suspended from the team following drug charges a year ago. He was also removed from the team two years ago after becoming ineligible due to grades. He is now back practicing with the team.

Here's the release from SOSU:

Southeastern head football coach Ray Richards has announced that Justin Pitrucha will rejoin the Savage Storm football team after a year removed from the program.

“We feel that Justin has complied with everything that has been asked of him.” Said Richards, “He followed the necessary steps to get reinstated and has shown sincerity in his apologies as well as a sense of remorse for what he was involved in.”

“All student-athletes have the ability to apply for reinstatement to their respective programs following their dismissal,” said Director of Athletics Keith Baxter, “The Southeastern Athletics Appeals Committee looks at each situation and in this case felt that Justin had made the progress to have the opportunity to rejoin the program. Participation in intercollegiate athletics is a privilege that needs to be appreciated and held in the highest respect.”

“I am confident in our coaches to make good decisions in regards to our student athletes,” continued Baxter, “Ray has put a lot of thought into this and I trust that his decision is what he feels is best in the long term for his program, as well as the department, the University and Justin. I don’t feel that any of our coaches would make a decision like this without those best interests at heart.”

In August of 2008 Pitrucha pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge and has since completed the terms of his probation.

“Justin will return as a backup with no special consideration,” said Richards, “He will have to earn his spot, not only with his play on the field, but also with his character.”