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Sims returns to football for spring practice

March 28, 2011

Sophomore tight end Dion Sims has been reinstated to the MSU football team for spring practice, head coach Mark Dantonio said Monday.

Sims was suspended from the team after being charged with receiving and concealing stolen property in September 2010 and was sentenced to a year of probation on Dec. 20, 2010, in relation to an operation to steal and sell computers from Detroit Public Schools.

Dantonio said Monday that Sims has done everything asked of him and has been compliant both with the football program and people from the outside. MSU Associate Athletics Director John Lewandowski said Sims’ reinstatement is for spring practice only, and a decision on his future hasn’t been made.

“Dion now is reinstated for spring ball here,” Dantonio said. “At this point in time, he’s done everything we’ve asked him to do, he’s having an outstanding semester in school academically, and he’s been compliant in every respect in both in house and out of house.”

Sims’ lawyer, Steve Fishman, said in December 2010 that Sims was not involved directly in the alleged stealing and selling of the laptops but had a role in introducing the men who were charged with the alleged stealing and selling of the laptops.

About 104 laptops valued at $158,000 were involved in the operation, and were distributed through websites. The terms and conditions of Sims’ probation, which include doing community service work, which involves talking to student-athletes in Detroit Public Schools and not purchasing or consuming alcohol or drugs.

Sims likely add depth at tight end and bring experience along with seniors Garrett Celek and Brian Linthicum.

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