UTEP players reinstated after felony charges dropped

8/23/2007 5:18 PM

EL PASO, Texas (AP) -Two Texas-El Paso players have been reinstated after the district attorney decided not to pursue felony charges against them in connection with a brawl outside a nightclub.

Receiver Tufick Shadrawy and linebacker Brian Wilkins, both 20-year-old sophomores, rejoined the team Wednesday, coach Mike Price said.

District Attorney Jaime Esparza announced Wednesday that he would not pursue felony charges against the players after last month's brawl in downtown El Paso. Shadrawy and Wilkins had been accused of assault, and Shadrawy was accused of trying to take a weapon from a law enforcement officer.

Both were arrested, along with three other players and several other people. All felony charges were dropped. Shadrawy now faces misdemeanor charges of interference with public duties and resisting arrest. Wilkins is accused of resisting arrest.

``We're real happy to have Brian Wilkins and Tufick Shadrawy back on the football team,'' Price said in a statement. ``They still have some things they need to take care of legally that are misdemeanors. We will again let the process take care of itself in that area.''

Three other players also facing misdemeanor charges were never suspended - linebacker Isaiah Carter and defensive back Brandon Thigpen, both 17-year-old freshmen, and 20-year-old sophomore defensive back Damon Cromartie.