Suspended 2010 NCAA finalist Montell Marion reinstated to Iowa's wrestling team

Montell Marion, 2010 NCAA Division I finalist at 141 pounds, has been reinstated by the University of Iowa wrestling team, effective immediately.

According to a statement issued by the school's athletic department, the junior has been cleared to practice with the Hawkeye wrestling team, adding, "a decision on whether or not Marion will be allowed to compete for the Hawkeyes will be made at a later date."

Marion was suspended from the Hawkeye wrestling team May 5, 2010, for violations of the school's student-athlete code of conduct. He had been arrested on drunk driving charges at 2 a.m. on May 4, the day after turning 22.

“I want to thank the University of Iowa, Gary Barta, Fred Mims and Tom Brands for giving me this opportunity to prove myself worthy,” said Marion. “I understand that there will be some mixed emotions about me rejoining the team, but I am confident that my actions will demonstrate that the University has made the right decision in providing me with this opportunity.”

“This decision has been made because of the positive steps that Montell has made in his life,” said Brands, head wrestling coach. "It is a continuing process and there is always a lot of work to do. In the last seven months, Montell has demonstrated that he knows there is work to do and that work will continue. I feel confident that Montell’s actions will show that the correct decision has been made.”

Montell Marion's father Del Marion is quoted in an article in the Iowa City Press-Citizen, “It’s been a tough several months, very draining, but we’re proud of him. That’s where he wanted to be and that’s where we wanted him to be. I’m glad he was able to do the right things.”

Del Marion told the paper's wrestling writer Andy Hamilton that Montell posted a 3.03 grade-point average during the first semester.

“Montell has made some poor decisions and he continues to pay a significant price,” said Iowa's Director of Athletics Gary Barta. “With that said, I’m proud of the changes he is making in his life. I support the plan that has been put in place and, more importantly, I’m encouraged with his commitment going forward. I would take great pride in one day watching Montell walk across the graduation stage.”

In two seasons with the Hawkeyes, Montell Marion built a 37-9 record. As a sophomore, the Des Moines native placed third at the 2010 Big Ten conference championships, then made it to the 149-pound finals of the 2010 NCAAs, losing in the title bout to Kyle Dake of Cornell University. 

Montell Marion was one of two 2010 NCAA finalists to be suspended by their teams this spring. Last week, Andrew Long, former Iowa State 125-pound runner-up, enrolled at Penn State and will be wrestling for the Nittany Lions.