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FSU's Parker Reaches Plea Agreement; Will Miss 1st 2 Games

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By SCOTT CARTER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 19, 2008

TALLAHASSEE – Florida State receiver Preston Parker, the Seminoles' offensive MVP last season, will miss the first two games of next season and face additional penalties levied by the school's revamped athletic department.

Today in Palm Beach County, Parker pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges after accepting a deal with prosecutors over his April 21 arrest. Originally charged with a felony for carrying a concealed weapon and a misdemeanor for possession of 4.81 grams of marijuana, as part of Parker's plea agreement, the felony was reduced to a misdemeanor, allowing the 21-year-old junior to rejoin the team.

Shortly after Parker reached his deal with Palm Beach County prosecutors, FSU placed Parker on athletic probation in accordance with the school's athletic code of conduct policy.

"Preston made a very serious mistake and there are consequences when one of our boys gets in trouble," FSU coach Bobby Bowden said in a statement. "Preston will have the opportunity to continue as a student and as an athlete at Florida State, but he will have to earn that right."

As part of Parker's probation, he must move into a supervised dorm, attend weekly study hall sessions, perform an additional 50 hours of community service, attend weekly meetings with FSU compliance officials, undergo bi-weekly drug testing and participate in a mentoring program with at-risk students in the Leon County School District.

Since replacing Dave Hart in February, FSU athletic director Randy Spetman has made it a top priority to rebuild the athletic department's reputation in the wake of last year's academic cheating scandal, and Spetman took a special interest in Parker's case considering its high-profile nature.

"Matters of this magnitude that involve one of our student-athletes are not taken lightly," Spetman said. "Once all of the facts were gathered regarding Preston's situation, considerable time was spent in determining what course of action would need to take place and the administration fully supports Coach Bowden's decision."

As for Parker, he is clear to rejoin his teammates in offseason conditioning drills and in a statement released through his attorney, Jason Weiss, is thankful for a second chance.

"First off, I want to apologize to my teammates, fans and most of all my family for placing them in the middle of this kind of predicament,'' Parker said. "I fully blame myself for being in this situation, because it could've easily been avoided.

"I also want you to know that whatever my consequences are, I will complete them and complete them in a respectful manner. One message I want the young people to realize is that making a sacrifice for yourself to pursue your dream is not a joke. This situation was a big eye-opener for me and made me realize how your life could be easily ruined over nonsense and lack of focus.

"This is a learning experience for me and still has a learning effect on me today as we speak. One thing I can say is that I will get through this dark road, not trying to rush through it, but taking one step at a time.

"This is my plan, and not just my plan for today or tomorrow, but forever. This is because there will be tons of choices I will have to make in the future in order to become a successful person, player and teammate. Finger pointing isn't a route I will take because I fully blame myself for being in the type of situation that I am dealing with right now.

"To all the kids who look up to me and see me as a role model in their lives and football careers, I speak from my heart when I tell you that I apologize for making a bad decision and also letting you down.

"I pray and hope that you won't look at me as a bad person. I am not a thug, I am not a gangster, and most definitely, I am not a thief.

"I don't know what the future holds, but I promise whatever it is I will make my teammates, coaches, fans, family and above all, my son proud of me on and off the field.

"I am truly sorry and I apologize to everyone."

Reporter Scott Carter can be reached at (850) 294-3088 or scarter@tampatrib.com.

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