ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, February 14, 1996 TAG: 9602140057
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY STAFF WRITER
SCOTT JOHNSON and Darryl Presley allegedly stole clothing in December.
The future of Virginia basketball players Scott Johnson and Darryl Presley was in question following their arrest Tuesday morning on charges of petty larceny.
Carl Deavers, a major with the UVa police department, confirmed his division had assisted the Albemarle County Police Department in serving Johnson and Presley with warrants.
Johnson and Presley reportedly were caught shoplifting Dec.17 at the Leggett Department Store at Fashion Square Mall in Charlottesville, but charges were not pressed at the time.
Johnson and Presley were suspended for the Cavaliers' Dec. 21 game with Virginia Commonwealth for what was termed a violation of team policy, but the offense did not come to light until The Cavalier Daily reported Feb.2 that store employees were upset by the failure to prosecute.
The value of the merchandise was placed at more than $200, including a shirt Johnson was said to have stuffed in his pants.
School spokesman Rich Murray would not comment on the possibility that Johnson and Presley would leave the team, either permanently or for tonight's game at Duke.
Presley could not be reached at his home in Adelphi, Md., and attempts to contact Johnson at his home in Marietta, Ga., also failed. Coach Jeff Jones did not return a phone message.
Terry Holland, UVa's athletic director, said he was unaware of any decision on the players' status. Holland released a statement Friday clarifying the athletic department's role in such matters.
``Recent news stories have questioned the University of Virginia athletics department's role in matters of student discipline,'' it read. ``It is the department's policy and continuing practice that coaches and other staff members do not attempt to influence disciplinary or legal processes beyond the enforcement of team rules.
``This policy has not been violated.''
Johnson, listed at 6 feet 10 and 243 pounds, has played in 19 of 21 the Cavaliers' games - every game except the one in which he was suspended and the one that followed. He is seventh on the team in minutes played (272) and has averaged 3.6 points and 2.9 rebounds.
Presley (6-6, 198) has played 47 minutes in 10 games. He is averaging 0.6 points and 1.7 rebounds.
Johnson and Presley each played in UVa's most recent game, a 62-51 victory over Clemson at University Hall on Saturday.
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshots) Johnson, Presley.by CNB