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Notebook: Suspensions Expected Before Bowl Game

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 14, 2007

TALLAHASSEE Florida State's ongoing investigation into an academic misconduct case involving student-athletes in nine sports is expected to result in several football players being suspended for the Music City Bowl on Dec. 31.

The Noles returned to practice Friday for the first time since their 45-12 loss at Florida on Nov. 24. While all the players are eligible to practice, Coach Bobby Bowden acknowledged Friday that he is bracing for bowl suspensions, expected to be announced sometime next week by FSU president T.K. Wetherell's office.

"There will be, but they'll make that announcement at the proper time," Bowden said Friday in response to a question about players being suspended for the bowl game. "It will come from them."

Bowden did not say how widespread the problem is. In an investigation that dates back to the spring, only three FSU football players have been publicly linked to the probe.

Senior WR Joslin Shaw missed the first four games before being cleared, and sophomore DT Budd Thacker missed the Miami game after being erroneously linked to the investigation by a coach from another sport. Sophomore DE Kevin McNeil, expected to compete for significant playing time, missed the entire season.

Overall, 23 student-athletes were linked to the probe initially. At the urging of the NCAA, FSU has conducted a more thorough investigation in recent months. At the center of the probe is an online class that a former tutor provided test answers to. FSU is expected to send its final internal report to the NCAA by the end of the month.

BOWL RESULTS: The Noles will be making their 26th consecutive bowl trip under Bowden, and more often than not, they have won. FSU is 19-8-1 in bowl games under Bowden, including a 44-27 victory over UCLA in the Emerald Bowl a year ago.

FSU junior QB Drew Weatherford said FSU's bowl success is partly due to Bowden allowing the players to enjoy themselves on bowl trips.

"I think the main thing is just how they approach it when we are there," Weatherford said. "It's a really relaxed atmosphere. Everybody gets to go out on the town and hang out with each other. You're not constantly doing school, so you're just relaxed and having fun, and I think it kind of brings the best out in our team."

ROSE APPROVES: Sophomore LT Daron Rose expects to finish his career at FSU under Bowden, but he welcomed the news this week that offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher will one day replace Bowden.

"I was happy for Coach Fisher," said Rose, a former standout at Jefferson High. "Even though he is young, he has seen a lot in collegiate sports. A lot of younger coaches are becoming more of a factor. They relate more to the players. He is real energized. He is obviously one of the best recruiters around, and that's really going to help the program."

NOLE NUGGETS: Bowden was impressed by the way the team practiced Friday after nearly three weeks off. "They didn't look like they had been out that long," he said … Music City Bowl officials will be on campus Monday to formally announce FSU's invitation … Eleven FSU players are graduating today, including long snapper Garrison Sanborn, a product of Jesuit.

Scott Carter

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