By Times staff writers, Associated Press
Published October 21, 2003
MIAMI - Miami filed suit against the Big East and four member schools Monday, claiming it suffered "substantial monetary damages" by remaining in the league.
The school also filed a separate lawsuit against Connecticut for defamation. Both were filed in state circuit court.
Big East spokesman John Paquette acknowledged the conference had seen the lawsuit but had no comment.
The league members named in the suit are Connecticut, West Virginia, Rutgers and Pittsburgh. All four are suing Miami, alleging it was involved in a conspiracy with the Atlantic Coast Conference to weaken the Big East.
- ASSOCIATED PRESS
OL starting to heal
TALLAHASSEE - The patchwork offensive line that managed to help FSU eclipse 100 rushing yards for the first time in nearly 11/2 months might be a little deeper against Wake Forest.
Center David Castillo, fitted with a custom-made brace for his injured right foot, practiced with the first team Monday. He played most of the downs in FSU's 19-14 win against Virginia after freshman John Frady started.
The Seminoles also might have guard Bobby Meeks back. He practiced after being sidelined against the Cavaliers with a dislocated shoulder. His injury, coupled with Eric Broe's knee operation, forced the Seminoles to play tackle Ron Lunford at guard. SAMUELS' STATUS: An MRI exam confirmed that senior cornerback Stanford Samuels strained a neck muscle in a collision early against Virginia.
THREE EARN HONORS: Three Seminoles were named ACC players of the week: linebacker Allen Augustin, defensive back Michael Boulware and Jesuit kicker Xavier Beitia (special teams).
- ZACHARY SPAIN
Leavitt waits to pick QB
TAMPA - USF coach Jim Leavitt remained noncommittal about his quarterback situation.
"We've got everybody available and we're going to need everybody," Leavitt said. "We really wanted to get Pat Julmiste in and give him some snaps (against Charleston Southern). We really wanted to give Pat a chance to play."
Bulls do-it-all player Brian Fisher started Saturday. Ronnie Banks, who had started all USF's games, did not play so he could heal from repeated poundings.
CONTROVERSY OF THEIR OWN: This week's opponent, Southern Mississippi, is embroiled in its own quarterback controversy. Dustin Almond, Micky D'Angelo and Damion Carter all have attempted at least 30 passes this season and completed at least 20. Golden Eagles coach Jeff Bower said he will make a decision early in the week.
EAGLES RB OUT: Timmy Blackwell, Southern Mississippi's leading rusher, will not play Saturday after being suspended by Bower for violating unspecified team rules.
- ROB BRANNON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Ratliff recognized
GAINESVILLE - A school record-tying performance in Saturday's win over then-No. 11 Arkansas earned Florida cornerback Keiwan Ratliff SEC defensive player of the week.
"In the first couple of weeks I didn't feel like I was helping my team the way they were counting on me, being as highly rated as some people had me and preseason All-SEC," Ratliff said. "The last two weeks, (defensive coordinator Charlie) Strong told me to just play my game, don't think too much and let my talent speak for itself, and that's what I'm doing."
