James sorry for kicking Virginia player

Published Mar. 4, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Florida State's Bernard James, a 6-year military veteran, is asking the University of Virginia to forgive him for kicking one of its players.

James was ejected in the second half of the Seminoles' 63-60 victory at Virginia on Thursday after he kicked Joe Harris while both players were on the prone on the floor near midcourt after a collision.

In a three-paragraph letter addressed to Virginia coach Tony Bennett on Friday, the 6-foot-10 James said he was embarrassed and remorseful for the incident and that he hoped Harris would also recognize that it was out of character.

James spent six years in the US Air Force, including tours in Iraq, before beginning college.

Copies of James' letter were sent to Harris, Virginia President Teresa Sullivan and Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John Swofford.