TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

FSU Suspends Parker For 2 Games

ADVERTISEMENT

By SCOTT CARTER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 20, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - Preston Parker is getting a second chance at Florida State, but the Seminoles' 2007 offensive MVP is under more scrutiny than ever after he reached a plea agreement Monday in a Palm Beach County courtroom.

Parker pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors related to his arrest April 21 on gun and drug charges. He originally was charged with a felony for carrying a concealed .45-caliber handgun and a misdemeanor for possession of 4.81 grams of marijuana. But as part of Parker's plea agreement, the felony was reduced to a misdemeanor, allowing the 21-year-old junior to rejoin the team. Parker is currently enrolled in summer school and is eligible to rejoin normal team activities.

Shortly after Parker reached his deal with Palm Beach County prosecutors, FSU suspended Parker for the first two games of the 2008 season and placed the junior receiver from Delray Beach on athletics probation in accordance with the school's athletics code of conduct. Parker also won't represent FSU at the annual ACC football media days this summer as planned, and his image has been removed from posters the school produces to promote the 2008 schedule.

"I pray and hope that you won't look at me as a bad person," Parker wrote in an apology letter released through FSU and his attorney, Jason Weiss. "I am not a thug. I am not a gangster, and most definitely, I am not a thief."

Parker will be eligible to return for the Sept. 20 home game against Wake Forest. He will miss home games against Western Carolina and Chattanooga.

FSU coach Bobby Bowden addressed the news of Parker's agreement in a statement released by the school.

"Preston made a very serious mistake and there are consequences when one of our boys gets in trouble," Bowden said. "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."

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

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT