UCLA kicks frosh trio off team after arrests, theft charges

LOS ANGELES -- UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel has dismissed three incoming freshmen from the football team for violating team rules.

The school says Paul Richardson, Shaquille Richardson and Josh Shirley were informed of the decision Tuesday morning.

The trio of 18-year-olds won't be allowed to continue summer school and won't be permitted to enroll at UCLA for fall quarter. If they meet certain requirements set by Neuheisel, they may be allowed to enroll in January.

Additional discipline may be imposed by the dean of students.

The three players were arrested on campus on June 23 by university police and charged with suspicion of felony theft for allegedly stealing a student's purse from a storage locker in a dormitory.

Neuheisel says the three players know they "made a terrible mistake."