Ex-FSU player signs with Auburn

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA - Rodney Tucker has signed to play basketball at Auburn, a week after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor simple battery charge involving a female Florida State student. <br> <br> The Tigers also signed junior college point guard Chris Lollar in the spring signing period, coach Cliff Ellis said Thursday. <br> <br> Tucker, who spent last season at Tallahassee Community College, was suspended from the Seminoles&#39; team as a freshman after a 19-year-old student accused him of sexually assaulting her while she slept at his apartment. <br> <br> Tucker had told police the sex with the woman was consensual, and his no contest plea did not involve a finding or admission of guilt and ensured he wouldn&#39;t have a criminal record from the incident. <br> <br> Auburn officials waited until that case was resolved before deciding to sign him. <br> <br> ``We&#39;ve talked to a number of people, including his coaches and administrators at both Florida State University and Tallahassee Community College,&#39;&#39; Ellis said. ``After several lengthy discussions and comprehensive background inquiries, we feel that Rod Tucker will be a strong addition to our program and to Auburn University. <br> <br> ``Rodney has dedicated himself to success both in the classroom and on court and we&#39;re looking forward to him joining our program.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Tucker played in every game as a freshman at Florida State, averaging 2.3 points. <br> <br> He averaged 14.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks for Tallahassee Community College. <br> <br> Tallahassee coach Eddie Barnes was happy to see his former player land back in Division I. <br> <br> ``Rodney&#39;s a really good kid. We&#39;ve had an excellent year with him,&#39;&#39; Barnes said. ``He&#39;s done everything we&#39;ve asked of him. He&#39;s been a model student on and off the court. I&#39;m just glad he&#39;s going to a good, quality program. <br> <br> ``I think he&#39;s going to fit in at Auburn, and I think he&#39;s going to end up being a good player for them.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Lollar, meanwhile, could fill the Tigers&#39; biggest need. A Birmingham native, he earned junior college All-America honors last season. <br> <br> ``He gives us the credentials that we need,&#39;&#39; Ellis said. ``He&#39;s going to fit in well, and I like the fact that he&#39;s a Birmingham native.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> The Tigers signed two North Carolina products, guard Steve Leven and forward Terry Licorish, in the fall signing period.