NC State RB Thornton reinstated to 'full status' from suspension following drug charges

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina State coach Dave Doeren has reinstated junior running back Shadrach Thornton following an indefinite suspension.

The suspension came in December after authorities cited Thornton for misdemeanor simple possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Police had visited an apartment he shared with teammates in a sexual battery investigation, with a probable cause affidavit for a search warrant listing Thornton as the suspect.

Lee Turner, Thornton's attorney, says authorities dismissed charges because Thornton was not present during the search and passed drug tests. Thornton was not charged in the sexual battery case.

Doeren said Thursday that Thornton, last year's leading rusher with 768 yards, has "met every expectation on and off the field" to return to "full status."

Thornton has practiced with the team in spring and preseason drills.