(AP) LSU officials say the NCAA has reinstated junior defensive back Kristian Fulton.
Fulton has served about 18 months of what was originally a two-year suspension for tampering with a drug-test by allegedly substituting someone else's urine sample for his own.
LSU says the NCAA acquiesced to Athletic Director Joe Alleva's request to reclassify the matter to a similar violation punishable by a one-year ban, allowing Fulton to play immediately.
Alleva says Fulton owned up to his mistake and that LSU's athletic officials felt compelled to fight for him. Alleva credits collaboration by university compliance, legal and football personnel for the change in Fulton's eligibility.
LSU coach Ed Orgeron says he won't comment on what role Fulton might play this season beyond stressing that the highly regarded 2016 recruit has always practiced ''like he was a starter.''
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