TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Bowden Won't Ban Guns At FSU

ADVERTISEMENT

By LEE DIEKEMPER

Tribune correspondent

Published: May 17, 2008

TARPON SPRINGS - Despite the recent arrest of star wide receiver Preston Parker, Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden doesn't sound ready to institute a gun ban for the players in his program.

"I hate to say this, but if you are in certain neighborhoods, you better have a gun," Bowden told reporters after a round of golf Friday morning at Crescent Oaks Country Club, the latest stop on his statewide booster-club tour. "You have to protect yourself and your family. I really hate to say that, but it's the way things have gotten."

Earlier this week, Parker was formally charged by the Palm Beach County State Attorney's office for carrying a concealed firearm, which is a felony. According to the FSU Athletics Code of Conduct, Parker cannot participate in games until the matter is resolved or the charge is reduced to a misdemeanor.

Last year, the University of Miami enacted a rule prohibiting players from having guns. Bowden seemed reluctant to do the same, sensing it would be hypocritical.

"I've got one, too," he said.

Bowden also noted the offseason is the time coaches are concerned about players having potential brushes with the law.

"This is the time of the year you worry, when players go home and get together with their buddies," Bowden said.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT