HAMPTON, Va. – NuKeese Richardson, a student at the University of Tennessee, will enroll at Hampton University for the second semester of the 2009-10 academic year. Richardson spent one semester at Tennessee, playing for the Volunteers football team.

While a student at Tennessee, Richardson got involved in the court system in what he and the prosecution called a stupid prank with a pellet gun and was placed on pre-trial diversion, along with probation for three years for attempted robbery. If he stays out of trouble, the charge will be dismissed and his record will be wiped clean. Knox County Criminal Court Judge Mary Beth Leibowitz placed Richardson on pre-trail diversion and three years probation as part of a plea agreement. Pre-trial diversion is a statute in Tennessee which allows someone to complete a probationary term; if all requirements of the probation are satisfied, the judge will expunge these charges off the record forever.

Judicial diversion allows you to honestly answer on all applications (after successful completion of probation) that you have never pled guilty to a crime.

As a high school student, Richardson was rated No. 68 overall and the No. 9 wide receiver nationally. He was selected to play in the Under Armour All-American Game and named Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100. He attended Pahokee High School in Pahokee, Fla., where he earned all-area honors and was selected First Team Palm Beach Post All-Purpose Player.

Hampton head football coach Donovan Rose, who visited Richardson's family, talked with former coaches, teachers, religious leaders and other members of his hometown community, believes Richardson is worthy of a second chance.

“NuKeese is a respectful and humble young man,” Rose said. “I am confident he will contribute excellence on and off the football field. He is extremely remorseful for his poor judgment in action and looks forward to coming to Hampton for a second chance.”

Director of Athletics Lonza Hardy Jr. added, “Hampton has a history of helping people who need a second chance. Hampton is a place where NuKeese will have the opportunity to mature as a young man, continue as a good student and showcase his talent as a great athlete.”

Richardson will be assigned a mentor to assist him with his transition from Tennessee to Hampton.

For more information on Hampton University football, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.