The newest member of the Miami Dolphins, 2014 NFL Draft fourth round pick Walt Aikens, just finished a conference call with the South Florida media. During the call, he spoke about the situation that led to his 2010 dismissal from the Illinois football team. He finished his college career at FCS-level Liberty.
"I bought a laptop from a teammate. It turned out to be stolen," Aikens explained. "I got charged with possession of stolen property, which is a misdemeanor."
He went on to state that the team, including then head coach Ron Zook, attempted to fight for him with the school, but it was to no avail. "The school was trying to make an example of football players at the time, and they thought it was best that I left."
Aikens sat out the 2010 season after transferring to Liberty. He started 33 games for his new school from 2011 to 2013, earning second team All-Big South honors in 2011 and 2012, and first team All-Big South in 2013. He recorded seven interceptions over his three seasons, along with six forced fumbles and was invited to the Senior Bowl this year.