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Darling's parents ready for lawsuit

The parents of Devaughn Darling have established an estate, a routine step, but one that gives them the necessary power to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Florida State.

"The lawsuit's coming soon," said Monique Smith, Darling's eldest sister, from her home in Sugar Land, Texas. "I don't know how soon, but we had to get the probate filed first."

Wendy Smith and Dennis Darling Sr. filed papers less than a week ago in probate court in Leon County that make them the joint representatives of their son's estate. That empowers them to sue and distribute any assests.

Devaughn Darling collapsed and died after an offseason conditioning program Feb. 26, 2001. He was 18. Though a police investigation cleared the coaches and support staff of wrongdoing, the Darlings have maintained Devaughn was deprived of water and pushed too hard. The family's attorney, complying with state law, notified FSU last August of the Darlings' intent to sue.

MISSISSIPPI: Four players have left the team because of injuries or medical conditions. Offensive lineman German Bello, defensive lineman Justin Blake and defensive back Clifton Collins would have been seniors. Linebacker Johnny Ducking would have been a sophomore this year.

RUTGERS: A confrontation between two city police officers and a rowdy crowd led to the arrests of four players. Tresjuan Moses, 19; Edward Grimes, 20; Marcus R. Jones, 20; and Christopher M. Baker, 19, were all charged with obstruction of justice and disorderly conduct. Moses and Grimes also were charged with resisting arrest.

COLORADO: The school offered to extend coach Gary Barnett's contract through 2007 and boost his annual compensation to $1.2-million. The new contract must be approved by university regents, who next meet Aug. 8.

-- Times researcher Deirdre Morrow and Times wires contributed to this report.

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