Syracuse reinstates star RB Carter

Coincidence or not, Delone Carter is returning to the Syracuse football team.

On the same day that Doug Marrone announced that tailback Averin Collier — the projected starter if Carter was away from the program — would not be available because of academic issues, the second-year head coach announced that stud tailback Carter was returning.

The Orange would have started preseason practice on Monday with a gaping hole in the backfield without Carter. Junior Antwon Bailey, second on the team in rushing in ‘09 with 312 yards on 67 carries and one touchdown, would have been the lone returning player with any significant playing time.

Carter was charged with misdemeanor assault following a fight after being involved in a snowball-throwing incident on campus in February. He was suspended last semester and did not participate in spring practice.

Marrone, who said the team already punished Carter and that no further action would be taken, declared that it was too early to determine if Carter will start because he hasn't seen what kind of condition the redshirt senior is in.

Carter led Syracuse last year with 1,021 rushing yards and 11 TDs. His attorney said in April that he had worked out a settlement with the university that called for him to perform 200 hours of community service.

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