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Illinois’ Tate rejoins basketball team after case dropped

Big Ten Basketball Tournament - Second Round

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 10: Jaylon Tate #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dribbles past Peter Jok #14 of the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second round of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 10, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Illinois defeated Iowa 68-66. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman says Jaylon Tate has been reinstated to the basketball team after a misdemeanor battery charge against him was dropped.

He was accused of striking a woman in March, but the charge was dropped Tuesday for lack of evidence. Whitman said Tate had “shown exceptional character during this unfortunate situation” and hoped fans will welcome him back.

Whitman also said Friday that Kendrick Nunn’s suspension from the team is still being evaluated. Nunn pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic battery and received probation earlier this week after also being accused of hitting a woman.

A third player, Leron Black, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor aggravated assault and was sentenced to probation. He was reinstated to the team but will sit out six games.