Likely FSU suspensions for bowl game

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Suspensions Expected Before Bowl Game

Published: December 14, 2007

TALLAHASSEE Florida State's ongoing investigation into an academic misconduct case involving student-athletes in nine sports is expected to result in several football players being suspended for the Music City Bowl on Dec. 31.

The Noles returned to practice Friday for the first time since their 45-12 loss at Florida on Nov. 24. While all the players are eligible to practice, Coach Bobby Bowden acknowledged Friday that he is bracing for bowl suspensions, expected to be announced sometime next week by FSU president T.K. Wetherell's office.

"There will be, but they'll make that announcement at the proper time," Bowden said Friday in response to a question about players being suspended for the bowl game. "It will come from them."

Bowden did not say how widespread the problem is. In an investigation that dates back to the spring, only three FSU football players have been publicly linked to the probe.

Senior WR Joslin Shaw missed the first four games before being cleared, and sophomore DT Budd Thacker missed the Miami game after being erroneously linked to the investigation by a coach from another sport. Sophomore DE Kevin McNeil, expected to compete for significant playing time, missed the entire season.

Overall, 23 student-athletes were linked to the probe initially. At the urging of the NCAA, FSU has conducted a more thorough investigation in recent months. At the center of the probe is an online class that a former tutor provided test answers to. FSU is expected to send its final internal report to the NCAA by the end of the month.

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