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Roberts attended a pre-draft workout with the Portland Trail Blazers before deciding to return to school. According to his mother, the Blazers paid for his airline ticket, hotel room and meals. After coming back to Starkville for his senior year, the money was repaid and the family provided the receipts to the NCAA.

Roberts will miss the November 11 contest against Fairfield in the opening round of the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic in Birmingham, Alabama.

"I want to thank Lawrence and his family for their assistance as we have worked through this re-instatement process," Director of Athletics Larry Templeton said. "I would also be remiss if I did not mention the tireless efforts of our compliance office during this time."

Roberts transferred to Mississippi State last season from Baylor following the death of teammate Patrick Dennehy. He was the SEC's Player of the Year for the 2003-04 campaign after averaging 16.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.

The Bulldogs went 26-4 overall last season and lost to Xavier in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Roberts applied for entry into the NBA Draft in June, but did not hire an agent.