Tinoisamoa told The Advertiser he sealed his decision last night, when he accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

The NFL sponsors the Senior Bowl, and players are paid to play, thus ending a participant's amateur status.

"I think once you go into the Senior Bowl, you can't come back," Tinoisamoa said after this morning's practice. "I accepted an invitation, if that means anything."

Tinoisamoa said the decision "was pretty tough, because I love being around these players and being around these people. But, you know, I came in with these group of guys ­ Justin Colbert and Vince (Manuwai) and T-Mitch (Thero Mitchell) and KB (Keith Bhonapha ­ I mean, it's an honor to go out with them."

Tinoisamoa is in his fourth year ­ and third season ­ at UH. Because he was admitted as a partial academic qualifier in 1999, according to NCAA rules, he will be eligible for a fourth season of college football if he earns a bachelor's degree by August. At his weekly news conference Monday, UH coach June Jones said there was a possibility Tinoisamoa would meet that deadline.

Relinquishing that opportunity, Tinoisamoa said, "yeah, it's kind of sad. But I'm sure Coach Jones wants the best for me. Right now, it seems that's the best situation. Things worked out the right way. I felt I contributed a lot and did my part. I think it's pretty equal."

The Warriors' regular-season finale is against San Diego State Saturday at Aloha Stadium. The Warriors also will play in the inaugural ConAgra Foods Hawai'i Bowl on Christmas Day.