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Fallout From 'Noles Player's Gun Charges Yet To Be Seen

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By SCOTT CARTER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 23, 2008

Updated: 05/23/2008 02:56 pm

TALLAHASSEE – The subject of guns and football players has been a hot one recently, highlighted by the arrest of Florida State University star receiver Preston Parker in April on gun and drug charges in Palm Beach County.

Parker has reached a plea agreement that opened the way for his return to the Seminoles next season, but former Noles starting tight end Charlie Graham's return to the team now is in question because of a handgun.

According to an incident report filed eight days ago by the Tallahassee Police Department and obtained today by The Tampa Tribune, officers were called to Graham's apartment after a neighbor called to say someone was outside the residence firing a gun into the air.

After officers arrived at the scene, Graham and a companion were questioned. In a written statement of the incident to police, Graham says he fired the gun multiple times in the air.

According to the report, "Mr. Graham was intoxicated and celebrating being eligible to play college football again. Mr. Graham stated post Miranda that he took his handgun outside and fired it into the air.''

Graham, who was cooperative with officers throughout the investigation, later said he made a stupid mistake.

Officers cited Graham for discharging a firearm within city limits and gave him a receipt for the seizure of the gun, a .32-caliber semiautomatic valued at $250. A rifle valued at $200 also was confiscated during a search of Graham's apartment, which is less than two miles from Doak Campbell Stadium.

An FSU official is trying to confirm whether Graham, ruled academically ineligible before the Music City Bowl, has regained his eligibility after transferring to Tallahassee Community College.

Stay with TBO.com for developments.

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

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