GA. TECH ORDERED TO REINSTATE PLAYER

Judge Says Houston Can Play Despite Arrest

ATLANTA - A Fulton County judge on Tuesday ordered Georgia Tech to
reinstate defensive back Reuben Houston to the team even though
Houston is facing felony drug charges and has been suspended from the
team all season.

The ruling from Superior Court Judge M. Gino Brogdon shocked Georgia
Tech athletic director Dave Braine, who pledged to abide by the
decision. Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey said Houston might play as
early as Saturday, when the Yellow Jackets visit No. 3 Miami.

Houston, a two-year starting cornerback, would have been an all-star
candidate as a senior on Tech's defense this year, but on June 21 he
was arrested in Atlanta in connection with a marijuana distribution
operation based in California.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Fresno, Calif., Houston,
22, conspired to possess and distribute about 100 pounds of
marijuana, which has a street value of about $60,000.

Gailey received a five-year, $5 million contract extension that runs
through 2010. His future had been the subject of speculation since
the end of the 7-5 2004 season -- his third straight seven-win finish.