College football

FSU's AD disputes findings

By Times Staff Writers
© St. Petersburg Times
published August 22, 2003

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Florida State athletic director Dave Hart denied his department has isolated itself, the central criticism of an internal review done after the Adrian McPherson gambling scandal.

Hart wrote in an Aug. 15 memo to the school's inspector general, David Coury, that at no time had anyone raised such a concern, including former president Sandy D'Alemberte, saying: "In fact, his comments to me and others were quite to the contrary on an annual basis."

While Hart acknowledged many of Coury's recommendations are sound, he said that could have been achieved "without the pointed antagonistic opinion which cast people in a very unfair light."

Hart also had problems with the external review of the department that produced nearly 50 recommendations. In an Aug. 20 memo to president T.K. Wetherell, he wrote he wasn't afforded the courtesy of previewing the findings and checking the veracity of the information. That led to "many errors" and an "alarming amount of misinformation," rendering the attempt at a fair and balanced report "flawed."

ON DEFENSE: The defense kept the offense out of the end zone and returned two interceptions for touchdowns during a scrimmage.

"They (played Thursday) like I haven't seen in two years," coach Bobby Bowden said. "They are playing with a lot of enthusiasm and having a good time."

Defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley returned a deflected Fabian Walker pass 43 yards for a score. Michael Boulware took a tipped pass from Walker for a 50-yard touchdown. The defense also had eight sacks, three by Kamerion Wimbley.

ON OFFENSE: Greg Jones scored the only touchdown, doing so during goal-line drills. Xavier Beitia made a 27-yard field goal. Chris Rix was 5-of-8 for 110 yards.

INJURY UPDATE: Tight end Matt Henshaw left the scrimmage after injuring his left knee. His status was unknown.

- BRIAN LANDMAN, LUCY MORGAN, ZACHARY SPAIN

Gators ponder QB rotation

GAINESVILLE - Although no starter was named, Florida's quarterback picture cleared up slightly after Thursday's practice. Coach Ron Zook said he is considering playing multiple quarterbacks in the opener.

"Who says there has to be a starter?" Zook said. "Georgia won the (SEC) last year. Coach (Steve) Spurrier, he went through a couple of years of playing more than one quarterback."

INJURY UPDATE: Offensive lineman Lance Butler (eye) practiced. Defensive back Reynaldo Hill has a hip flexor and was limited in drills.

- BRIAN SHAFFER

Storm shortens practice

TAMPA - A fierce storm forced South Florida to run for cover moments after practice began. The team retreated to beneath the USF Soccer Stadium 20 minutes in and held a meeting.

Coach Jim Leavitt said he wasn't disappointed. A day after a 90-play scrimmage, he had planned a light workout. He said it is important to come out strong during the first of today's two practices.

"There are some corrections that need to be made," he said.

IN THE HUNT: Senior linebacker Maurice Jones is on the Butkus Award watch list. He had 94 tackles and six sacks last season.

- ROB BRANNON

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