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Michigan player reinstated after being cleared of assault charges

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) ? University of Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said Tuesday tight end Carson Butler has been reinstated and after being cleared of charges of attacking a student on St. Patrick?s Day.

Butler, 19, of Detroit, was released from the team in March after being accused of assaulting the student but was acquitted in July.

Carr said he decided to allow Butler to return after the judicial process had played out.

?Because of that, I just felt it would be extremely unfair not to give him another opportunity,? Carr said during a press conference at Schembechler Hall. ?What he?s trying to do is do some things he?s been asked to do and so we?ll see how that works out.?

Butler started the last six games of last season, finishing fourth on the team with 19 receptions.

He was charged with defensive back Christian Richards, a 19-year-old reserve defensive back from Pacoima, Calif. Richards was convicted of assault and sentenced to six months probation and was released in March.

The News Journal - www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com - Mansfield, OH