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TAMPA - USF senior Devon Davis hopes it's all a misunderstanding.
A Hillsborough County judge issued an arrest warrant for Davis, 20, on Thursday after he missed a court appearance for a misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana.
The starting middle linebacker, pulled out of practice when USF was notified, told coach Jim Leavitt he believed he did not have to attend because he agreed to a pretrial diversionary program that would involve only probation.
Judge Joelle Ann Ober issued the warrant, however, which requires Davis to turn himself into police. His release would be conditional upon payment of a $1,500 bond, attending all future court dates and staying out of Ybor City, where he and two teammates were arrested in July.
If it is a misunderstanding, the warrant could be quashed today. Leavitt said it would not change Davis' status for Monday's season opener against Pittsburgh.
"I don't think he would ever intentionally do anything like (missing a court date)," Leavitt said. "He knows better."
Defensive end Curtis Chance pleaded guilty to the same charge and received 12 months of probation. Linebacker Dorrean James, who left the program last month, also was due in court Thursday.
FINALLY: Running back Chad Simpson flashed a big smile as he left practice, having been cleared by the NCAA after weeks of waiting. Simpson's two-week window to practice without being cleared was to end after Thursday's workout, but he's eligible to receive his scholarship and play this fall. He's competing with fellow freshmen Ricky Ponton and Andre Copeland to back up Clenton Crossley and Andre Hall.
- GREG AUMAN, Times staff writer
Delay helps injured 'NolesTALLAHASSEE - While the wait will be longer than anticipated, the extra days before the Seminoles face Miami should help injuries heal.
"It means both of us should probably be able to get some players back," coach Bobby Bowden said. "We probably will get some players back in better shape than we would have had on Monday."
Center David Castillo (shoulder) and guard Bobby Meeks (sprained ankle), both projected starters, were going to sit out Monday. Their status for Sept. 10 has not been determined.
"It's helpful for anybody with bangs and bruises," Castillo said. "It's going to help guys get their legs back under them and get healed up a little bit. And we'll have another week to prepare for a great team in Miami."
CLOSER TO HOME: Players with family along the projected path are keeping an eye on the hurricane.
Receiver Chauncey Stovall, whose home was damaged by Hurricane Andrew in 1992, expected 20 family members to arrive Thursday from Gifford, near Vero Beach.
"That should give me an easy way to concentrate on football and not have to worry about my family," Stovall said.
Castillo said his mother is riding out the storm in West Palm Beach despite his wishes.
"I've been calling to check out how she's been doing, how she's preparing," he said.
Hollywood native Bryant McFadden said his family had shuttered the windows.
"It is difficult for me because my mother, my stepfather and my sister all live in the Hollywood area," McFadden said. "I try to keep in contact with them and pray that everything goes well."
SHUFFLED SCHEDULE: FSU will practice as scheduled today and Saturday and has added practices for Monday and Tuesday.
- ZACHARY SPAIN, Times correspondent