New-look Axon graces EMU's Web site

Recognize that guy on Eastern Michigan's athletics Web site? It's Manatee alum Ben Axon, sporting a new haircut and the colors of his new school.
Axon headed to Eastern Michigan after he was not admitted to South Carolina over the summer. Arrested on a marijuana charge in May, Axon completed 50 hours of community service and has passed random drug tests, according to the release on the Eagles' Web site. The site said Axon is on probation until probation until Oct. 18, and the charge will be dropped if the terms of the probation are met.
Axon's application to EMU was reviewed by the school's Admission Review Committee, which also thoroughly examined his high school transcripts and received letters of recommendation from Manatee High officials and coaches.
"I understand the mistake I made and how it has and could have affected my life," Axon said in his admission statement to the school, "and my ability to reach my goals."
Axon will sit out this season. The Eagles open their season 7 p.m. Saturday at home against Army.
"He is a 19-year-old who made a very bad decision," EMU's head coach, Ron English, said in the release. "Since he is a first-time offender with no prior issues with drugs, we believe he deserves a second chance. It will not be easy. He has to fulfill his obligations to the court and, in addition, we are mandating that he sit out one year and maintain a clean record and good academic performance in order to play in 2010."