Calhoun: Request has nothing to do with Barnett

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BOULDER, Colo. -- Brian Calhoun, Colorado's leading rusher last season, is seeking a transfer so he can apparently continue his career at Wisconsin.

"Although I have had two great years at CU with my teammates, I have decided to transfer," Calhoun said in a statement released Sunday. "Whether or not [coach Gary] Barnett is reinstated has no bearing on my situation or decision. I wish him the best and hope everything works out for him."

Colorado officials have said they will not grant scholarship releases for football players until Barnett's situation is resolved as part of the investigation into the school's recruiting scandal. Calhoun, a sophomore, has not been granted a release from his scholarship.

Barnett's situation is expected to be resolved by the end of May.

Calhoun led the Buffaloes in rushing last fall with 810 yards and five touchdowns. The biggest play in his career was a 71-yard TD reception against Kansas State as a freshman.

Calhoun said last fall that he considered leaving after his position coach, Eric Bieniemy, left for UCLA. He said he has contacted Wisconsin, schools in the Big East, Big Ten and Southeastern conferences, "but I have not made that decision on where I am transferring to."

However, his former prep coach at Oak Creek told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel last week that Calhoun said he wanted to play for the Badgers.

Calhoun, a standout in football and track and field at Oak Creek, likely would compete in both sports at Wisconsin, the Journal Sentinel reported. Under NCAA rules, Calhoun would have to sit out a year but would be allowed to practice with both teams.

Calhoun said his decision to leave Colorado has nothing to do with a possible position switch. After last season, coaches asked Calhoun to consider playing wide receiver.

"My reason for leaving is far different than everybody expects and thinks," Calhoun's statement read. "It has nothing to do with playing time or switching positions, but I have discussed my situation with my parents, and we have come up with a decision to transfer. We feel it is the right decision and we plan on moving on."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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