Florida State associate athletic directors Andy Urbanic and Bob Minnix, both of whom were criticized for how they handled allegations of wrongdoing by former quarterback Adrian McPherson last summer, haven't lost their boss's confidence.
But based on annual performance reviews obtained by a public records request from the St. Petersburg Times, both, as well as everyone else in the athletic department, must improve communication with administrators.
"As we implement many of the recommendations suggested in the review of campus-wide and internal communication and processes, continual individual improvement, within an improved process, will be the expectation," athletic director Dave Hart wrote in Urbanic's review and reiterated almost verbatim in others. "This will be the case for all involved."
Hart gave Urbanic and Minnix the second-best overall rating, "above satisfactory," on their evaluations. Each received a "satisfactory" in the operating category, which includes their decisionmaking, monitoring and control of their operations, football and compliance, respectively.
"I think Dave and the athletic department understand there's a new era," FSU president T.K. Wetherell said. "We've made it clear that we expect the highest standards."
Wetherell said he has made the same point in his evaluation of Hart.
In recent days, another administrator, Pam Overton, has been chastised for her handling of accusations of sexual battery against football player Travis Johnson. Overton, associate athletic director for student services, didn't report the allegations to law enforcement in accordance with school policy. She said she was honoring the accuser's wishes and felt obligated to respect her privacy.
"Pam has taken some heat, somewhat unjustifiably," Wetherell said.
Hart's evaluation mentions that Overton could be changing jobs, writing that "Pam is ready to assume more programatic responsibilities within the athletics department outside her current role."
ON THE FIELD: Former Zephyrhills kicker Brett Cimorelli reported and could join the Seminoles as early as today, pending a physical. Cimorelli, a 21-year-old senior, has spent the past five months with the Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Kernels, a Class A affiliate of the Anaheim Angels. He said he will be competing for the kickoff and punting duties. Cimorelli has played sparingly since kicking six field goals and 23 extra points his freshman year.
- BRIAN LANDMAN, GREG AUMAN
QB starter still a mystery
GAINESVILLE - Florida coach Ron Zook continued his silence on the subject of who will be the starting quarterback in the Gators' season opener against San Jose State Saturday.
Zook said he'll most likely announce his decision before game day, but declined to be more specific.
"I'm sure you'll know before then, but there will be a guy out there on Saturday," he said. "It's a hard decision. There's a very good chance that two or three may play. I have a strong idea."
HARRIS TRIAL MOVED: An Alachua County judge has granted a request by defensive end Steven Harris to have his trial date moved up. Last week, Harris and attorney Robert Rush agreed on an Oct. 13 trial date. But on Monday, Harris' trial was rescheduled for Sept. 8. He has pleaded innocent to charges he knocked 22-year-old UF student Brian Assent to the ground unconscious during a brawl in April outside a Gainesville nightclub, then kicked and punched Assent, leaving him with a cut on his face that required 11 stitches. Rush said last week he hopes to settle the case without going to trial.
SNELL TO LEAD: Former Hillsborough High standout Shannon Snell will join tight end Ben Troupe as the two offensive captains selected for Saturday's game. Snell, a senior, is scheduled to start at left guard.
INJURY UPDATE: Freshman Clint McMillan had a bone chip removed from his knee and is expected to miss up to two weeks.
TICKETS REMAIN: A limited number are available for Saturday's game after the Spartans returned a portion of their tickets. For more information, call toll-free, 1-877-428-6742. Kickoff is 6 p.m.
- ANTONYA ENGLISH
Weather doesn't stop Bulls
TAMPA - On the first day of classes, USF got in a half-hour of preparation for Saturday's game at Alabama before thunderstorms arrived in the afternoon. The team spent another 30 minutes beneath the soccer stadium, its usual bad-weather spot.
"We've gotten in more practice this year than ever before," coach Jim Leavitt said. "(Monday) was not a bad time. Our guys need to heal up. The Lord has a reason. You let things happen, that's the bottom line."
CALLING THE BULLS: Among the announcers for USF's ESPN debut Saturday will be 1989 Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware. Ware, who played quarterback at Houston, will be the color analyst and is making his network debut.
NOT YET: Athletic director Lee Roy Selmon said the proposed game at Auburn, likely in 2007, has not been finalized. "It's an ongoing process," Selmon said. "We do not have one signed and scheduled."
OH, BROTHER: Josh Julmiste of Miramar, the brother of USF No. 2 quarterback Pat Julmiste, has committed to the Bulls. The younger Julmiste could end up at defensive end.
The brother of USF safety Kevin Verpaele, Merritt Island defensive back Danny Verpaele, also is considering USF, as is Sarasota Booker running back/safety Terrance Jones, brother of USF safety Johnnie Jones. Josh Julmiste (No. 95), Danny Verpaele (No. 50) and Terrance Jones (No. 86) are listed among the state's top 100 senior prospects by analyst Bill Buchhalter.
