He will apparently leave UH as a football player.

Akpan was removed from the basketball roster yesterday by head coach Riley Wallace.

"He's done (with basketball)," Wallace said. "It's become a circus and we can't be going through a whole year like this."

Akpan, who is 6 feet 8 and 258 pounds, played basketball his first two seasons at UH. Last spring, he joined the football team and is now a reserve defensive end with the Warriors.

Because the football team has a bye this weekend, Akpan was expected to practice with the basketball team this week.

On Wednesday, Akpan played in the football team's intrasquad scrimmage. Yesterday, he showed up for basketball practice in street clothes and said he could not participate because of a back injury.

Wallace dismissed Akpan from the Stan Sheriff Center midway through yesterday's practice.

"This was the week he was supposed to practice with us," Wallace said. "He plays football (on Wednesday) but can't play basketball today. That shows me his heart's not into basketball."

Akpan's athletic scholarship is being provided by the football team. He was supposed to join the basketball team once the football season ended in December.

Akpan was a fan favorite as a reserve forward with the basketball team last season. He averaged 7.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore.

Akpan is originally from Nigeria and never played football prior to joining the Warriors this season. Head football coach June Jones previously said that Akpan has pro football potential.

"We have nothing against Tony; we love the guy," Wallace said. "But if he has a future in football, then it's best for everybody if he goes and chases that."