By Times Staff Writers Times Wires
Published August 19, 2003
GAINESVILLE - Trial dates have been set in the felony battery case of Florida defensive end Steven Harris, but his attorney said he is hoping to settle before then.
Harris was arrested in April after a brawl outside a Gainesville nightclub and has been suspended from the team. He has pleaded innocent to third-degree felony and could serve up to five years in prison if convicted.
Harris and his Gainesville attorney, Robert Rush, appeared in an Alachua County courtroom Monday and agreed on a pretrial date of Sept.17 and an Oct.13th trial.
"I'd like to get it resolved," Rush said. " ... This is not a felony at all. It should be a misdemeanor at worse."
According to police reports, Harris knocked 22-year-old UF student Brian Assent to the ground, rendering him unconscious. He and teammate Channing Crowder punched and kicked Assent, leaving him with a cut on his face that required 11 stitches.
Rush said Harris might have been misidentified because several altercations took place in the nightclub parking lot - with a crowd estimated at 100-200 people. Crowder pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery last month and was sentenced to six month's probation and counseling. ON SCHOLARSHIP: Seniors Johnny Lamar and Casey Griffith have been awarded scholarships. Lamar is competing for a starting spot at cornerback. He has played on special teams the past two seasons. Griffith has become a dependable long snapper.
INJURY REPORT: Linebackers Crowder (knee) and Taurean Charles (neck) practiced. Redshirt freshman linebacker Brian Crum (stress fracture) wore a boot. Coach Ron Zook said Crum has decided to allow his left foot to heal with rest rather than have surgery.
- ANTONYA ENGLISH, BRIAN SHAFFER
Weather puts USF under
TAMPA - South Florida opted for a walk-through under the soccer stadium because of bad weather, meaning the Bulls can have two full sessions today.
Coach Jim Leavitt said USF looked so-so Monday morning and had a productive ad-libbed afternoon session.
"They're still a little sore and tired from the scrimmage (Saturday). It was not a real great practice in the morning," Leavitt said.
NEW POSITIONS: Redshirt freshman Broward Holsey, a Clearwater graduate, has switched from defensive to offensive tackle, and Georgia Tech transfer Scott Wolf has moved from defensive end to defensive tackle.
- PETE YOUNG
FSU defense mounts challenge
TALLAHASSEE - The Florida State offense has been challenged by a speedy defense that is returning 10 starters.
"They have been giving the offense a hard time protecting the passer, especially with all the blitzes," coach Bobby Bowden said. "They give us a lot of different kind looks, so we're bound to learn from it. But it's difficult, especially when you've got young offensive linemen."
PRAISE FOR DAVIS: Redshirt freshman receiver Chris Davis is being compared positively with former standout Peter Warrick.
"All you got to do is watch him, he brings many of the same things to the table," Bowden said of Davis. "He has been completely covered sometimes and comes down with the ball and runs for touchdown."
Bowden said Davis, who played quarterback at St. Petersburg Catholic, has been more consistent than Warrick as a freshman.
"So far it hasn't been a catch one, drop one," Bowden said. "I hope he doesn't start."
INJURY REPORT: Tailback Greg Jones was held out Monday after practicing during the morning. FSU will limit Jones to one practice per day as he recovers from a torn ACL.
- ZACHARY SPAIN
Around the nation
MIAMI: Offensive tackle Vernon Carey has a high ankle sprain but should return to practice this week, coach Larry Coker said.
MICHIGAN ST.: One week after returning from a substance-abuse suspension, Jeff Smoker was named starting quarterback.
TENNESSEE ST.: Former Florida State quarterback Adrian McPherson has applied for admission. A decision on whether he will be able to enroll should be made by Friday, school spokeswoman Phyllis Qualls-Brooks said. Last week, athletic director Teresa Phillips said the school would not allow McPherson, a former Bradenton Southeast standout, to join the Tigers football program.
BAYLOR BASKETBALL: Lawrence Roberts, leading scorer and rebounder last season, is transferring to Mississippi State. The junior forward became the first returning player to leave after the school's self-imposed probation over major NCAA violations uncovered during the investigation of the disappearance and death of player Patrick Dennehy. Junior guards John Lucas III and Kenny Taylor, sophomore forward Tommy Swanson and junior college transfer Harvey Thomas also have asked for their release. The school is committed to staying in the Big 12 Conference and putting a complete team on the court next season.
- TIMES WIRES[Last modified August 19, 2003, 01:47:23]
