Cal's Cecil Whiteside reinstated to team

Cal linebacker Cecil Whiteside has been reinstated to the team, coach Jeff Tedford told CBSSports.com Monday.

Whiteside was dismissed from the program on May 24 for violating unspecified team rules. Tedford didn't elaborate on which rules Whiteside violated, but he did say, "I think that he understands what he needs to do to be a good teammate and comply with everything we do as a team."

Whiteside's return will be a boon to a defense that lost two starting linebackers, including Pac-12 defensive player of the year Mychal Kendricks. If Whiteside isn't in Tedford's doghouse, he'll most likely compete with outside linebacker Chris McCain for a spot in the starting rotation.

Whiteside finished 2011 with 17 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles.

The Golden Bears report for fall camp Aug. 3. The team's first practice will be the following day.

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