Citing the UH student conduct code, athletic director Herman Frazier suspended Keli'ikipi from participating with the Warriors, although he was allowed to attend classes and retain his scholarship.

The school has not issued a final ruling on the status of Bass, who was involved in a February dormitory fight, also a violation of the conduct code.

Jones said the Keli'ikipi incident allegedly occurred in 2002; Keli'ikipi did not enroll at UH until August 2003. Jones said the case against Keli'ikipi "will get resolved," enabling him to compete as a senior this season.

"I'm of the understanding now of the situation that he's not going to be not allowed to play," Jones said.

Jones also said "Mike Bass will be there" for the Sept. 4 opener against Florida Atlantic.

"I anticipate Michael" will be allowed to play, Jones said. "I don't haven any reason to think he won't right now. I'm sure after everything is looked at, everything is considered, (he will) able to play."

If not, Jones said, "I'd be disappointed."

Michael Brewster, also a senior, is the only other experienced running back on the Warriors' roster.

Andrew Pearman, who rushed for 2,268 yards and scored 37 touchdowns as a North Carolina high school senior last year, will not be used at running back this season. Jones said Pearman will be used as a wideout this season and, the following year, he has the option of competing at running back.

In other UH developments, Jones said the Warriors were successful in developing recruiting contacts in New Zealand and Australia. He said he expects to recruit up to three prospects from those countries for the 2005 season.