A former Maryland student now enrolled at East Carolina University confirmed to The Examiner that the University of Maryland?s Josh Portis copied his quiz, which led to the sophomore quarterback being suspended for the 2007 season.
Brandon Bullock, a graduate of Rising Sun High in Cecil County, told The Sun Tuesday that Portis? answer on a quiz in an American Studies class was “copied word for word.”
Bullock told The Examiner in an e-mail Tuesday night he had been contacted by the Maryland Student Affairs Department, which suggested he consult a lawyer before continuing to comment on the situation.
“I can tell you that I am the other student involved in this issue,” Bullock wrote.
Bullock, 22, is a political science major at East Carolina.
Bullock wrote in an e-mail he was considering retracting his statements to The Sun, and was “very stressed” about the situation.
Portis, 20, is listed as an American studies major in the Terrapins? 2007 media guide.
He transferred to Maryland from Florida, sitting out the 2006 season due to NCAA transfer rules. As a freshman in 2005, Portis completed 6-of-11 passes, and rushed 24 times for 184 yards in six games for the Gators.
He battled junior Jordan Steffy for the Terps? starting quarterback position, and was slated to backup Steffy this season. The announcement of his suspension came less than one hour before Saturday?s season-opening kickoff against Villanova. Portis is still practicing with the team and can return to play in 2008.
“We?re held to a higher accountability than other students,” Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said after Maryland defeated Villanova, 31-14. “That just comes with being an athlete. I think in the end, this will all hurt out. But right now, Josh is going through some tough times. We?ll all be there for him.”
