Robinson’s Grandson Won’t Join Bruins This Football Season

for name value, anyway--was not on hand when freshmen reported Monday and won’t be around this season. Or, perhaps, ever.

Defensive lineman Jesse Simms, grandson of UCLA alumnus Jackie Robinson, told Coach Bob Toledo he would be taking a season off because of time lost in celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Robinson’s breaking major league baseball’s racial barrier.

“It’s been hectic--TV, radio, newspapers, traveling,” Simms said. “I need to take care of a couple of things academically.”

Simms’ family is also appealing an NCAA Clearinghouse ruling that his grade-point average in the 13 core courses required to qualify for a scholarship was low.

“I’m 0.03 of a point from qualifying,” said Simms, who has a 2.25 grade-point average.

They are seeking to substitute some courses taught at home because of his learning disability. Simms is dyslexic.