Iowa's Marion reinstated for practice

It appears University of Iowa NCAA finalist Montell Marion has taken the necessary steps to rejoin the Hawkeyes wrestling team. At least for practice anyway.

The university announced Tuesday afternoon that Marion, a red-shirt junior, was allowed to begin practice with the Hawkeyes team. According to the release, the decision on whether or not Marion will be allowed to compete will be made another time.

Marion was arrested for OWI last spring, which is considered a violation of the UI Athletic Department student-athlete code of conduct policy. Marion placed second at 141 pounds at the NCAA Championships in Omaha, Neb., compiling a 37-9 record in two seasons with the Hawkeyes. Marion was a four-time state finalist for West Des Moines Valley and Des Moines Roosevelt, winning one title at each school.

This is only the first of a few steps left to take for Marion. Just read the quote attributed to head coach Tom Brands from the press release.

He says work has been done and it must continue.

“This decision has been made because of the positive steps that Montell has made in his life,” said University of Iowa Head Wrestling Coach Tom Brands. “It is a continuing process and there is always a lot of work to do. In the last seven months, Montell has demonstrated that he knows there is work to do and that work will continue. I feel confident that Montell's actions will show that the correct decision has been made.”

Here is the press release from the U of Iowa:

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The University Iowa Athletic Department has reinstated Hawkeye junior Montell Marion to the Hawkeye wrestling team. This reinstatement will allow the Marion to practice with the team. A decision on whether or not Marion will be allowed to compete for the Hawkeyes will be made at a later date.

Marion was suspended from the Hawkeye wrestling team May 5, 2010, for violations of the University of Iowa Athletic Department student-athlete code of conduct.

“I want to thank the University of Iowa, Gary Barta, Fred Mims and Tom Brands for giving me this opportunity to prove myself worthy,” said Marion. “I understand that there will be some mixed emotions about me rejoining the team, but I am confident that my actions will demonstrate that the University has made the right decision in providing me with this opportunity.”

“This decision has been made because of the positive steps that Montell has made in his life,” said University of Iowa Head Wrestling Coach Tom Brands. “It is a continuing process and there is always a lot of work to do. In the last seven months, Montell has demonstrated that he knows there is work to do and that work will continue. I feel confident that Montell's actions will show that the correct decision has been made.”

Marion posted a 37-9 record in two seasons with the Hawkeyes. He picked up his first all-America honor last season, placing second at 141 pounds at the 2010 NCAA Championships. The Des Moines, IA, native placed third at the 2010 Big Ten Championships.

“Montell has made some poor decisions and he continues to pay a significant price,” said University of Iowa Director of Athletics Gary Barta. “With that said, I'm proud of the changes he is making in his life. I support the plan that has been put in place and, more importantly, I'm encouraged with his commitment going forward. I would take great pride in one day watching Montell walk across the graduation stage.”