Jamaal Tate left the Penn State men's basketball program last season in mid-December, citing nagging injuries and chronic fatigue as his chief concerns.

However, those were only part of Tate's long list of issues he has been dealing with.

After recently admitting to an alcohol addiction, Tate has made the decision to sit out the 2003-2004 season in order to focus on academics and pursue a degree in health and human development.

"It has become apparent over the past year that I have a problem with alcohol," Tate said in a press release. "Drinking has had a direct effect on my health, academics and basketball to the point where I had to leave the team last season and withdraw from school."

Penn State men's basketball coach Ed DeChellis said that he could not comment on when he knew about Tate's problem, but said that after ongoing discussions about his status, Tate decided he needed to focus more on his academics.

"He's gone through a pretty tough time, and we're supporting him and helping him and we're going to continue to do that though this process," he said. "He's a great kid. He decided it was most important for him to get through this and stay on track and try to graduate. I support his decision."

A senior, Tate's greatest moment for the Nittany Lions came during his freshman year. The 6-foot-5 swingman was a perfect 4-4 beyond the three-point line against Michigan and helped lead Penn State to a two-point victory.

Tate, however, has been unable to return to that form. His point totals plummeted and was phased out of playing time the next season. After losing his rhythm on the court, Tate was riddled by injury and left the team soon after.

Former Penn State head basketball coach Jerry Dunn, who resigned after going 7-21 last season, was contacted but wished not to comment on the issue.

A native of Linden, N.J., Tate is proud to have recognized and corrected his personal troubles.

"I have stopped drinking and am now taking advantage of all the support that is being given to me by Penn State," he said in the press release.

Now sober, Tate is enrolled in classes this semester and has recently completed two sessions of summer classes.