Marshall reinstates Graham

HUNTINGTON -- Marshall University's football program has reinstated its scholarship to recruit Anthony "A.J." Graham after armed robbery charges have been dropped, Thundering Herd head coach Mark Snyder said Thursday.

An assistant prosecutor in Florida told The Tallahassee Democrat newspaper Thursday morning his office dropped the charge because Graham's alibi is strong enough to create "reasonable doubt." Marshall officials have returned Graham to scholarship status.

Graham was a star quarterback recruited by Marshall University. The scholarship was dropped after Graham's arrest in late May in Tallahassee. He had faced a charge of robbery with a firearm.

"We have reinstated him," Snyder said. "We felt we made the right decision at the time, as do they (Graham and his family). And we think we made the right decision now.

"The charges were dropped. I'm sure he's glad to get it behind him and his family, and we're excited to get him up here and be part of our football family."

Graham was named Mr. Football for the state of Florida, and committed to Marshall in February. He's expected to arrive on campus in "the next day or so," Snyder said during Thursday's Thundering Herd media day.

The Godby quarterback set school season and career records for pass completions, pass attempts, passing yards and touchdown passes. Marshall has four quarterbacks on scholarship, and Graham could redshirt this season.

"We'll see when he gets here," Snyder said. "He's going to be behind. He's been working out with his high school team, but it's different working out with college guys."

Concerning the legal process, Snyder recognized the negative initial reaction but was pleased "innocent until proven guilty" was adhered.

"It's the society we live in unfortunately at times," Snyder said of the immediate judgment. "And I'm just glad it's behind him."