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Board Won't Reinstate Player

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By RONNIE BLAIR, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 18, 2007

LAND O' LAKES - Orville Williamson views it as an injustice that Gulf High School running back Julian Ford has been sidelined throughout this football season.

For the Pasco County School Board, though, Ford's case is a matter of where the juvenile justice system meets the student code of conduct.

Ford was arrested in May after he was accused of robbing and beating a man. The teenager has been barred from playing football as his case works its way through court.

Williamson, who has coached youth sports and said he has served as a mentor to Ford, insists the teenager is innocent. He urged the school board Tuesday evening to lift the suspension and allow Ford, a senior, to play against Hudson High School on Friday.

'I think this is a crime what we're doing to this young man,' Williamson said.

Board members declined, saying their hands are tied by policy.

The student code of conduct says an athlete must be suspended for 20 days after an arrest. The principal and the school athletic director then decide whether to renew the suspension or lift it.

The decision can't be appealed.

Williamson said Ford is supposed to be back in juvenile court today.
Assistant Superintendent Jim Davis said if Ford is found not guilty his eligibility would be reinstated immediately.

Whether that means Ford would play Friday, after sitting out six games, is another question, Davis said.

Reporter Ronnie Blair can be reached at (813) 948-4218 or rblair@tampatrib.com.

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