2 arrested in theft of Xbox from cancer patient

MONTPELIER -- When Jeffrey Cota, a varsity basketball player at Milton High School, learned he had bone cancer in his leg, his game went from the court to an Xbox 360.

That changed when the game was stolen from his home while he was undergoing surgery in Boston.

Police yesterday announced the arrests of two teenagers and said they expect to arrest a third in the Jan. 21 burglary.

"I'm very happy," said Cota, 17, who is recovering from surgery at home.

Brendan Eary, 19, of Georgia pleaded not guilty yesterday to aiding in the commission of a felony and driving with a suspended license. Jordan Bristol, 18, of St. Albans pleaded not guilty to burglary.

Cota said his older sister discovered the electronic device was gone when she came home from work and found the dog locked in a room.

But the 6-foot-7-inch center was not without his toy for long. Numerous people called the school offering to donate a new one.

"When his parents broke the news about the theft, in the same breath they were able to say somebody has already donated an Xbox to you with enough money to replace all the games," said Milton coach Chris Brown, who delivered the replacement to Cota at Massachusetts General Hospital.

"Just to hang out with the guys for a few hours really helped him along," Cota said.

The team had raised more than $11,000, from a spaghetti dinner and silent raffle in November, to help with the family's expenses.

Since then, other support has been pouring in. Rival teams have donated money.

"The biggest thing is making something good out of a bad situation," Brown said.

Cota, who would have been a starting center, was able to attend a number of games before the surgery. He is now getting around on crutches and expects to undergo a year of physical therapy. He will also undergo more chemotherapy treatments.

If his dedication to the sport is any indication, Cota, who was given the most valuable player award last year, will be a star patient.

"In the past year, he's been in the gym more than anybody," Brown said. "He just loves to be part of the team. . . . and we just have missed him as a player and as a friend."