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Bowden Unfazed About Legacy

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 29, 2007

Updated: 12/28/2007 11:57 pm

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - In the wake of an academic cheating scandal that forced FSU to leave more than 20 scholarship players home, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden has come under extra scrutiny, prompting some to call for his retirement.

He faced a large media contingent Friday, many asking about whether he is concerned about his reputation and legacy.

"I don't think you can ruin my legacy. I don't even know what a legacy is," Bowden said. "What I've done, I've done. You can't take that away, can you? So I don't really even worry about that. As long as I'm honest, and do the best I can do, I can't worry about that."

Several of the players were asked about the scandal, which centers around players receiving improper help from a tutor on an online music appreciation test. Sophomore DB Myron Rolle, one of the team's top academic performers, said the program is trying to put the controversy behind it and move forward.

"It's difficult, especially when you get on a bus to come to Nashville, and there are a lot of empty seats," Rolle said. "Our reputation has been tainted a little bit because of the cheating scandal, but it's still a great university, and there are still great players there and great people. It's our job, as the remaining players, to maintain that and to fulfill our responsibilities as student-athletes at Florida State."

CHANGING PLANS: Florida State spent its first full day preparing for Monday's Music City Bowl against Kentucky much like it has the past two weeks: adjusting on the fly.

A steady rain forced FSU to practice inside Friday, which meant a 30-minute drive to Gallatin High School north of Nashville. Bowl officials contacted Gallatin on Friday at about 6:30 a.m. to see if the Noles could practice at the school's indoor facility, which featured a low roof but plenty of space.

"It is an interesting place to practice," FSU starting QB Drew Weatherford said. "At least they have an indoor facility. At Florida State, we don't have one."

"I was so glad to see they had a place," Bowden said. "That's our next objective."

BOBBY ON JIMBO: For the first time since offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher announced he was staying at FSU rather than leave for West Virginia on Sunday, Bowden talked publicly about Fisher's decision. He said he understood Fisher's temptation to return home and be near his family.

"I was very relieved," Bowden said. "He's to be my successor. Gosh, if he had left, it would be kind of like starting all over, because I don't plan to coach until I'm 85."

Scott Carter

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