Gaines apologizes for mistakes, will transfer

By Dan Williams

Daily Sports Writer

In September, former Michigan point guard Kevin Gaines joined a long list of current and former NCAA athletes who let off-the-field problems mar a budding collegiate career.

But following his highly publicized arrest for driving under the influence on Telegraph Road and subsequent dismissal from the team, Gaines made a fairly unique decision to stay at Michigan as a student for the fall and "get his head back on straight."

Gaines said he will continue to attend classes this semester and concentrate on grades, and then he will transfer and attempt to resume his basketball career at another institution.

"As far as deciding when to leave, I stayed just get my school work done - to get my grades back up," Gaines said.

Gaines said he is considering a number of schools to transfer to, but no school is yet favored for his services.

The reason Gaines' decision to continue at Michigan this semester seems unusual is because NCAA rules will force him to sit out a full year before he will be eligible to participate in basketball games. Therefore, Gaines will not be allowed to play in games again until next January. Had he transferred immediately after his dismissal, he could have returned to the court in the fall for the beginning of the 2001-2002 season.

While he's concentrating on academics, Gaines continues to work out and keep his game in tune. He also has maintained contact with Michigan Coach Brian Ellerbe.

"Coach Ellerbe and I are still real cool, and it's the same with all the coaching staff," Gaines said.

Gaines said he will maintain close ties with the team even after his departure. He was courtside for Saturday's Maize and Blue scrimmage.

"I'm sorry for what happened," Gaines said. "I didn't mean for it to happen like this. I hope they still do good this year even though I'm not going to be here."

MARJERIE MARSHALLl/Daily

Kevin Gaines decided to finish the fall semester attending classes at Michigan.