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FSU Misconduct Probe Could Grow

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By SCOTT CARTER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 7, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - Members of the NCAA Enforcement Staff returned to Florida State's campus this week in the ongoing investigation into an academic misconduct case involving 23 student-athletes in nine sports. The investigation stems from a tutor providing test answers to students in an online class that has since been vacated by the university.

The most critical question at this juncture of the investigation is whether more FSU student-athletes are involved, including a small number of football players who could face suspension from the Music City Bowl on Dec. 31 if they are found to be involved.

Receiver Joslin Shaw, defensive end Kevin McNeil and defensive tackle Budd Thacker are the only football players publicly tied to the case. Shaw missed the first four games of the season before being cleared, while McNeil sat out the entire season. Thacker, erroneously linked to the case by a coach from another sport, was quickly cleared after having to sit out the Miami game.

FSU President T.K. Wetherell has not returned multiple calls from the Tribune, but he told the Tallahassee Democrat on Wednesday that more football players could be implicated.

"That hasn't been nailed down," Wetherell told the newspaper. "We're working to get through football."

FSU continues to complete its internal investigation and expects to have its official report to the NCAA by the end of the month.

A&M SUSPENDS TWO: Texas A&M indefinitely suspended two football players Thursday after their arrests a day earlier on felony robbery and drug counts.

Yemi Babalola was charged with two aggravated robbery counts and one count of misdemeanor marijuana possession, according to College Station police. Brandon Joiner was charged with three drug possession counts, one a felony.

Babalola was free Thursday on bond totaling $52,000, and Joiner remained in jail with bond set at $16,000, records show.

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