Jean M. Celestin, the former wrestler convicted of sexual assault, was expelled from Penn State yesterday for a two-year period, after which he will be able to receive his degree if he completes his graduation requirements, Penn State spokesman Steve MacCarthy said.

Celestin will not be able to participate in December's graduation ceremonies, and will not be allowed on Penn State's campus during his expulsion, McCarthy said.

The sanctions resulted from a Judicial Affairs review, which originally was scheduled to begin in 1999, but was delayed at the request of the victim.

In October 1999, Celestin and former teammate Nathaniel Parker were charged with sexually assaulting a female Penn State student. After a trial this October, Celestin was convicted of sexual assault, while Parker was cleared of all charges brought against the two men. These charges included rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and indecent assault.

The victim withdrew from Penn State before the conclusion of the 1999 Fall Semester.

Celestin was sentenced two weeks ago to a county prison term of six to 12 months. The sentencing guidelines for sexual assault convictions recommend a three to six year incarceration in state prison. His sentence was suspended in order to let him complete his studies this fall.

District Attorney Ray Gricar criticized Judge Tom Kistler's sentencing in the case and filed a motion to modify the sentence. Celestin is also appealing the decision.

At a press conference last night, David Davis, Black Caucus secretary, issued a statement from Celestin written after he learned of his expulsion.

Celestin wrote, "I am not, and never have been a common criminal." In his statement, he said he has lost job opportunities and wrestling opportunities because of this case.

He added e-mail "death threats" and "racial remarks" have also complicated his life.

"This has been a two-and-a-half year nightmare," his statement said. Celestin maintained his innocence. "In addition, my due process of law has not ended."

As for the suspension of his graduation, Celestin said in his statement that he has fulfilled his responsibilities as a student and therefore deserves his degree.

"I have a right to my education," his statement read.

Celestin's lawyer, Joseph Devecka, refused to comment.

The victim, whose request re-opened the university's case against Celestin after the judge's sentencing, said she felt a minor relief in learning of his expulsion.

"It's some small consolation, but I'm very angry," she said, referring to how Penn State handled the case. She said she was not consulted by the university during its judicial proceedings.

"Everything that I've heard for the past week has been through the media," she said. "I should have been involved in the process."

MacCarthy said this case was dealt with in accordance with standard Judicial Affairs procedures.

"I think we have handled this case exactly as we've handled other cases that have gone through judicial affairs," MacCarthy said. He said it was a "fair case" that has been "consistent" with other hearings of similar magnitude.

National nonprofit Security On Campus, Inc., (SOC) brought attention to Celestin's graduation last week, in a letter to Penn State President Graham Spanier.

SOC Vice President Daniel Carter, who handled the case, said the expulsion would not have been possible without the victim's willingness to stand up.

"I have no doubt that Penn State would have done nothing otherwise," Carter said.