Virginia Tech pair gets probation, community service for drug charge

A pair of suspended Virginia Tech football players have been sentenced to one-year of probation and 24 hours of community service each, stemming from a drug charge in April.

Adonis Alexander and Houshun Gaines were suspended indefinitely following a marijuana possession charge, and the sentencing could open the door to a possible return to the football field.

The pair's attorney James Turk told Mike Barber of the Richmond Times Dispatch that the two will have the charges dismissed should they complete the community service and meet the conditions of probation.

Alexander is a cornerback who started eight games last season as a true freshman. He led the team with four interceptions, while also registering 55 tackles. Gaines redshirted last year, but was due to receive some playing time along the defensive line in 2016.

When suspending the players indefinitely in April, coach Justin Fuente said he would wait for the penalty from the legal system before making a final ruling.

"We'll see how they do, between making sure they get everything taken care of with the university and the legal system," Fuente told Barber. "Then we'll evaluate if there's an opportunity for them to come back and if so when.

The Hokies open the 2016 season on Sept. 3 against Liberty.