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Hayes Demoted, Will Not Start Vs. Alabama

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 26, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - FSU coach Bobby Bowden announced LB Geno Hayes will be demoted to second-team and will not start against Alabama on Saturday as punishment for misdemeanor charges following his arrest outside a local bar last week.

According to a prepared statement FSU released Tuesday evening, Hayes also must attend behavioral counseling, perform community service and adhere to other disciplinary actions set by Bowden.

Under FSU's disciplinary policy, punishment in regard to misdemeanor offenses are determined by the head coach and based primarily on the student-athletes behavioral history. The coach's decision is also reviewed by the university's director of athletics.

'I want to apologize to my family, coaches, teammates, fans and Florida State University for the incident that took place,' Hayes stated in the release. 'I have always taken pride in representing myself and this university in a positive manner, and unfortunately, I did not live up to those standards on this occasion. I realize I cannot make another mistake of this or any other nature.'

Hayes, who is the team's second-leading tackler, did participate in practice Tuesday.

Hayes was arrested Friday outside Potbelly's bar on three misdemeanor charges, including assault on a law-enforcement officer, disturbing the peace and resisting arrest without violence. FB Joe Surratt, also arrested in the incident, was charged with a felony and therefore is by policy not permitted to participate with the team until after the legal process.

Michael McGuffee

Keywords: Bulls, Canes, Gators or Noles for expanded practice reports.

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