Minor, Gomes opt for a transfer south UM receivers rejoin UT-Martin’s Griffin

MARTIN, Tenn. – Two former Maine football players suspended in September by the university after an alleged off-campus sexual assault are enrolled at Tennessee-Martin, a school spokesman said Tuesday.

Wide receivers Paris Minor and Stefan Gomes, both juniors, have joined former Maine assistant Matt Griffin at the Division I-AA school in West Tennessee. Griffin was named Tennessee-Martin’s head coach Dec. 10.

“They’re paying their own way and they’re not on any kind of aid,” said Joe Lofaro, Tennessee-Martin’s sports information director.

The two probably won’t be able to play until 2004 because NCAA rules require transfers to sit out a year before becoming eligible. Also, NCAA rules require that athletes under nonacademic suspension sit out one full calendar year if they transfer while the suspension is active.

Tennessee-Martin can appeal both points to the NCAA on behalf of Gomes and Minor. Lofaro said he was not aware of any plans for an appeal.

“I’m excited to have them here with us,” Griffin said. “I don’t know if they will be able to play [next] season. If we have them it’s a bonus.”

Minor and Gomes were kicked off Maine’s team and suspended from the university by a student conduct committee after being accused of raping a woman last summer at an off-campus apartment.

The players acknowledged they had sex with the woman but maintained it was consensual. The woman said through her lawyer she had a consensual sexual relationship with Minor but did not know Gomes and was held down and forced to have sex with him.

The Old Town police and the Penobscot County District Attorney’s Office investigated the case, but no charges were filed. The university’s investigation led to the Student Conduct Code Committee’s decision, which was upheld on appeal.

Minor and Gomes were suspended for Maine’s season opener but played the next three games. Then, after the committee’s decision, they were suspended from school and kicked off the team.

“I’m pleased to say that we helped them transfer,” Maine Coach Jack Cosgrove said. “They need to get on with their educations and their lives. They are back in school and that makes me feel good.”

The two have filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Bangor against the university. The case is scheduled for hearing later this year.

Spring classes began Jan. 6 at Tennessee-Martin.