UCLA Times: Safety Bret Lockett eager to get back into the game

UCLA strong safety Bret Lockett watched from the sidelines and tried to be involved Monday as the Bruins beat Tennessee. He was limited to offering advice, however.

It was not completely satisfying, he says, but it helped.

"Initially, I came out for warmups and saw the ESPN camera over the field, I was like, 'Wow, this is not a game to miss,' " said Lockett, who was suspended for the game because of academic reasons. "It was hard. But as the game wore on, I felt like I had to help get the guys through this. I started talking to everybody, special teams, defense."

Next week, Lockett can speak with his actions.

—Chris Foster

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Photo: Karen Tapia-Andersen / Los Angeles Times