UH athletic director Herman Frazier also held an extensive meeting with Keli'ikipi before rendering the decision that was based on several factors including Keli'ikipi's classroom and on-field performance and his behavior since arriving on campus.

Head coach June Jones said he urged Frazier to give Keli'ikipi a second chance. It's not the first time that Jones has supported a troubled student-athlete.

In 1999, Jones withstood heavy criticism for offering a scholarship to Pisa Tinoisamoa, a blue-chip California high school player who had served time in a juvenile probation facility on felony assault. Tinoisamoa stayed trouble-free at UH, and now plays for the St. Louis Rams.

Jones said he didn't know of Keli'ikipi's legal troubles when the Wai'anae High alum walked on to the team last season. Jones said he believed, "West is a changed person."

"I don't know the particulars, all I can go on is what he's done since he's come here," said Jones, who added that Keli'ikipi will not be dropped on the depth chart. "In my eyes, he's a great kid. He's great for our school and great for the football team. He's part of the family. So I don't have any other feelings about it. All that happened before I knew him."

Keli'ikipi was indicted by an O'ahu grand jury on April 29 on a second-degree felony theft charge accusing him of taking part in a scam that bilked the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan out of more than $20,000. The indictment covers the period between Feb. 26, 2002 and May 22, 2002, a period before Keli'ikipi was on the UH team.

If Keli'ikipi's legal troubles are resolved, and he abides by specific rules set by the court, all charges against him will be dismissed, the school said.

For his reinstatement to the team, Keli'ikipi also must follow specific rules set by the UH athletic department: He must attend all classes and keep in good academic standing, and will be monitored every two weeks; he must perform 40 hours of community service during the 2004 fall semester, and he must meet with Frazier or a designated contact within the athletic department once a week to discuss his progress.

"I'm thankful for this opportunity," Keli'ikipi said in a press release. "I will make every effort to fulfill the terms and conditions of my reinstatement. I want to apologize to the parents and children who looked up to me and supported me, especially on the Leeward side."

Keli'ikipi's attorney Green said yesterday, "the plan is to finish his case after the football season."

"If the prosecution wants to push it a little bit, then we'll have to deal with it," Green added. "So far, (the parties involved are) in agreement."

Green said Keli'ikipi will enter a no-contest plea to the theft charge. In a no-contest plea, there is no admission of wrongdoing, Green said. In addition, Green said he will ask the court for a deferred acceptance of the plea, likely moving the case to November or December.

Green said legal procedures and the April indictment made it nearly impossible to resolve the case before the season.

"We hope to finish it after he's able to get back to school and concentrate on what he needs to concentrate on. Then we'll take care of it," Green said.

Last season, Keli'ikipi played in 10 games and started six before suffering a season-ending left knee injury. He gained 247 yards on 37 carries with a team-high six rushing touchdowns.

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2458.