TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Infielder John Holland will return to the Florida State baseball team next season but will no longer be on scholarship, coach Mike Martin said.
Holland, 19, was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting in Omaha, Neb., during the College World Series last month. Although the charges were eventually dropped, Holland was suspended indefinitely and was absent from the Seminoles' final two games.
"Everybody makes mistakes," Martin said. "I believe in second chances, but I don't believe in third."
Holland was arrested after security personnel at a Scheels sporting goods store in Omaha viewed him and his brother, Steven, attempt to purchase athletic shorts after changing the price tag from $32 to $19.99.
The freshman paid a $50 fine in court and charges were dropped, but his status with the team remained in question.
Martin said he spoke with Holland after the incident and was convinced it was a one-time mistake.
"Holland understood that he made a big mistake," Martin said. "He did not try to sugarcoat anything. I saw a lot of remorse, and John Holland wants to be a Seminole."
Holland appeared in 41 games this season, hitting .243 with eight doubles and 10 RBIs. He's playing with the Covington Lumberjacks of the Virginia Valley League this summer.
Meanwhile, the Seminoles appear to have lost a key cog in their lineup, as second baseman Devon Travis was set to sign a contract with the Detroit Tigers.
Travis, who hit .325 with 63 runs scored as a junior, was taken in the 13th round by the Tigers in last month's amateur draft.
"He's one of the finest young men I've ever coached," Martin said. "I'll follow his every move, and hopefully one day I'll get to see him in the big leagues."
