Wittles cleared to play by FIU

Garrett Wittles, the 2010 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, has been cleared to play by Florida International University this weekend, despite facing rape charges in the Bahamas.

Wittles, who is chasing Robin Ventura's all time record of hitting in 58 consecutive games will be in the lineup when the Panthers face Southeastern Louisiana in Miami.

The FIU shortstop, who is also the preseason Player of the Year despite not being selected to the Preseason All-Conference team, has hit in 56 consecutive games.