A University of Vermont hockey player accused of possession of a stolen bicycle is going to miss six games, even though the criminal charge has been dropped.
Sophomore forward Jonathan Higgins of Stratham, N.H., was charged Oct. 22 after an incident in Burlington in which a bicycle was taken without the permission of its owners.
Chittenden County State’s Attorney T.J. Donovan decided yesterday to drop the charge. He says it would be difficult to prove Higgins intended to keep the bike and that he has already paid its owner $260 for damaging it.
The university imposed the six-game suspension on Friday, saying only that it was a violation of the code of conduct for student athletes.
UVM Athletic Director Bob Corran says the dismissal of the charge doesn’t exonerate Higgins in the college’s mind.