Iowa State coach Dan McCarney says a final decision on the status of defensive end Jason Berryman most likely will come next week. The 2003 Big-12 defensive newcomer of the year was suspended last year after pleading guilty to first-degree theft and assault causing injury. He spent nearly a year in jail. McCarney says there’s no doubt that Berryman is really disappointed with himself and remorseful. “He’s learned a hell of a lesson,” McCarney says. He says he’d be shocked if Berryman ever got into trouble again. McCarney says he will consider all the factors before making a final decision. He says he’s taken a lot of time, met with Berryman over a dozen times, and says he’ll make a decision based on what’s best for the program and what’s best for Berryman. He says Berryman needs I-S-U more than they need him, and he says that was proven after they went to a bowl game without him last year. Berryman received a suspended 10-year prison term on the theft charge, but was sentenced to 300 days in jail on the assault charge. Iowa State does not have any policy specifically prohibiting an athlete convicted of a felony from returning to compete for the university.
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