ESPN College Football

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- Central Michigan athletic officials have told a jailed former football player who wants to return to the team that he should pursue his playing career elsewhere.

Jerry Seymour, 21, of Miramar, Fla., pleaded no contest July 18 to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in the 2004 fatal beating of DeMarcus Graham, 26, of Flint, outside a bar.

On July 20, Seymour voluntarily canceled his bond so he could begin serving jail time with hopes of being able to return to school and resume playing football as soon as possible.

The charge carries a penalty of up to two years in jail, but officials have said Seymour is likely to get a sentence ranging from probation to six months behind bars when he returns to court Aug. 21. Seymour would get credit for the month he spends in jail before sentencing if he is sentenced to time.

Central Michigan athletic director Dave Heeke said Thursday that members of the sports program, including football coach Brian Kelly, have talked with Seymour and his family about Seymour's interest in rejoining the team if he is readmitted as a student.

"CMU athletics feels it is in the best interest for all that Jerry pursue his football career at a different institution," Heeke said in a statement. "CMU stands by its belief that all student-athletes are held to a higher standard and are expected to represent CMU responsibly."

Seymour has been out of school for two years.

"It's rather unfortunate that they're taking that position," said Seymour's attorney, Jeffrey Edison. "Jerry would be an asset not only to the team but to the school itself."

Edison said he did not know what Seymour would do but said he would "do the right thing" to fulfill his sports and academic potential.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press