Ex-FSU player signs with Auburn

Posted 6:25AM on Friday 26th April 2002 ( 22 years ago )

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. The Tigers also signed junior college point guard Chris Lollar in the spring signing period, coach Cliff Ellis said Thursday. Tucker, who spent last season at Tallahassee Community College, was suspended from the Seminoles' team as a freshman after a 19-year-old student accused him of sexually assaulting her while she slept at his apartment. 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't have a criminal record from the incident. Auburn officials waited until that case was resolved before deciding to sign him. ``We've talked to a number of people, including his coaches and administrators at both Florida State University and Tallahassee Community College,'' 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. ``Rodney has dedicated himself to success both in the classroom and on court and we're looking forward to him joining our program.'' Tucker played in every game as a freshman at Florida State, averaging 2.3 points. He averaged 14.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks for Tallahassee Community College. Tallahassee coach Eddie Barnes was happy to see his former player land back in Division I. ``Rodney's a really good kid. We've had an excellent year with him,'' Barnes said. ``He's done everything we've asked of him. He's been a model student on and off the court. I'm just glad he's going to a good, quality program. ``I think he's going to fit in at Auburn, and I think he's going to end up being a good player for them.'' Lollar, meanwhile, could fill the Tigers' biggest need. A Birmingham native, he earned junior college All-America honors last season. ``He gives us the credentials that we need,'' Ellis said. ``He's going to fit in well, and I like the fact that he's a Birmingham native.'' The Tigers signed two North Carolina products, guard Steve Leven and forward Terry Licorish, in the fall signing period.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/4/195477