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NCAA continues FSU investigation

Florida State president T.K. Wetherell reiterated he doesn't expect NCAA sanctions in connection with a gambling scandal, but the case isn't closed.

"The NCAA continues to review this matter in an attempt to make a final determination of the facts," NCAA spokesman Jeff Howard said Wednesday.

The NCAA has interviewed FSU officials and police investigators and asked to talk to former quarterback Adrian McPherson, who was arrested and charged with misdemeanor gambling, the catalyst to the investigation. McPherson hasn't complied.

The NCAA also has filed public records requests and obtained the 800-page report of McPherson's alleged gambling by the FSU police, Tallahassee police and Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

"They haven't given us any indication at all they are investigating," Wetherell told the Tallahassee Democrat on Tuesday.

Bill Saum, the NCAA director of agent, gambling and amateurism activities, previously said he was unaware of any school that demonstrated a lack of institutional control in regard to gambling. That's usually the key to determining if sanctions are warranted.

Wetherell added the school has closed its investigation into allegations of improper booster activity involving R&R Truck and Auto Accessories, a Tallahassee store from which McPherson was accused of stealing, forging and the cashing of a $3,500 check.

Grady Irvin Jr., McPherson's attorney, said he heard players received cash from the store for autographs, rings, jerseys and used equipment. Sons of a prominent FSU booster are investors in R&R and own a sports memorabilia store. With the cooperation of R&R owner Dale Acosta, FSU "couldn't find anything," Wetherell said.

- BRIAN LANDMAN

TALLAHASSEE - Florida State's freshmen and returning players participated together due to new NCAA safety regulations. Coach Bobby Bowden said he was pleased by what he saw as the team practiced in shorts.

"The freshmen seemed to hang in there pretty good," Bowden said.

Previously, FSU freshman reported three days before the start of full squad practice.

POSITION CHANGES: Freshman D.J. Norris has moved from tight end to defensive end and Gerard Ross from safety to cornerback. Brian Ross, a junior recovering from a broken leg sustained during the spring, will move from nose guard to the offensive line.

INJURIES: Guard Matt Heinz remains out after offseason back surgery.

PRACTICE CHANGE: Because of the frequency of afternoon thunderstorms, one-a-day practices were moved from 3:30 p.m. to 8:35 a.m.

- ZACHARY SPAIN

South Florida can only hope it's not an omen.

During the season's first practice, Chris Iskra hauled in a pass, put down his left arm to brace hisfall - and dislocated his elbow. He is expected to miss six weeks.

"They said I should be ready for the (Sept. 27) Army game," Iskra said. "I'm going to try to prove the doctors wrong and be ready for (the Aug. 30 opener at) Alabama."

Iskra, a senior from Clearwater Central Catholic, has 81 catches for 1,047 yards and 21 starts.

HOT AND HOTTER: Scorching temperatures such as Wednesday's surely will have the Bulls acclimated for the 3 p.m. start Aug. 30 in Birmingham.

"I was a little disappointed, but it's the first practice," coach Jim Leavitt said. "Right now, it's not about Alabama or (Sept. 6 opponent) Nicholls State or Conference USA. It's all about fundamentals. We may never get around to thinking about Alabama if we don't get our fundamentals down."

MIA: Five of the 27 signees have not qualified. Fullback Joe Hall, offensive lineman Rashid Lavergne and defensive end Woody George are expected to continue to try to qualify and enroll in January. Defensive back Larry Green and linebacker Gene Coleman will enroll in junior college.

NOT YET: Six other freshmen did not practice pending final approval by the NCAA: receiver J.B. Garris, defensive tackle Curtis Chance, offensive tackle Jerome Springfield, defensive end/linebacker Dorrean James, linebacker Pat St. Louis and defensive back Mike Jenkins. Garris, Springfield and Jenkins were included in the team photo Wednesday, however.

WE'RE HERE: Offensive lineman Robert O'Dell, defensive back Sidney Moore and quarterback Kyle Wolfinbarger are among the walk-ons who practiced.

- PETE YOUNG

GAINESVILLE - More than 300 fans and media personnel showed up for Florida's first practice.

It was officially Day 1 of Ron Zook's second season and touted recruit Chris Leak's debut.

The buzz focused on Leak.

Leak and Dallas Baker, a redshirt freshman, connected several times during individual drills and seven-on-seven workouts.

In the first of two split squad practices, Leak and redshirt sophomore Ingle Martin worked out together, and both were impressive, teammates said.

"(Leak) looks good," senior receiver Carlos Perez said. "He knows everything."

FIRST DAY DINGS: Freshman punter Eric Wilbur attended practice with the aid of a crutch as a result of a recent knee injury.

"He's going to be fine," Zook said.

Senior free safety Daryl Dixon sustained a rib contusion but did not need X-rays. No time frame was given for his return.

- BRIAN SHAFFER