Photo Credit: Josh D. Weiss-USA TODAY Sports
After a three and a half year investigation, the NCAA has finally reinstated Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Kolton Houston.
Georgia head coach Mark Richt made the announcement in a statement on Thursday:
“The big thing is that we’re just really happy for Kolton. We’re thankful for all the work [Georgia Senior Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine] Ron Courson put in and for those who kept believing, but mostly we’re happy for him. We don’t want to put any pressure on him like now he’s got to be a star. The bottom line is, we’re happy he’ll be able to participate for Georgia. We’re glad it all worked out.”
Houston released a statement of his own to express how happy he was to hear the news, which came on his 22nd birthday.
“This is the best birthday present I’ve ever had,” Houston said. “I had almost reached the point where I thought this situation would never end. When I got the call, I broke down and cried for about 30 minutes. I had that much emotion stored up and it felt good to get it out. I’m ready now to show what I can do.”
Houston failed an NCAA drug test in January of 2010 after he “tested positive for a banned substance called ’19-norandrosterone.’” The drug, 19-norandrosterone, is an anabolic steroid, but it was medically administered to the offensive lineman following a shoulder season during his senior year of high school.
Following his reinstatement, Houston will have two years of eligibility remaining.
It is great to see that he will finally be able to return to the field after the wild ride from the NCAA, but you can be sure he will be more motivated than ever to make the best of the opportunity that he deserves.
Topics:Georgia Bulldogs, Kolton Houston
