Colleges

Player death claim still awaits Legislature action

By wire services
Published April 20, 2005

If the family of former Florida State player Devaughn Darling is to receive the bulk of a $2-million settlement from a wrongful-death lawsuit, it likely will have to wait at least another year.

A claims bill for $1.8-million hasn't been brought up in committee during the current state legislative session and, given the climate, that isn't likely to change.

"It never got a hearing in the House or Senate, so we'll have to refile the bill next year," Rep. Curtis B. Richardson (D-Tallahassee), the sponsor of the bill on behalf of the Darlings, told the Times.

Darling, 18, collapsed and died after a strenuous workout Feb. 26, 2001. His mother, Wendy Smith, and father, Dennis Darling Sr. filed a suit and each received $100,000 from the Division of Risk Management after last summer's settlement with FSU.

Florida law caps damages to $100,000 per claimant against a state entity, requiring the Legislature to approve any settlement or jury verdict beyond that. The Legislature hasn't been rubber-stamping claims bills.

"Claims bills do have a very difficult time, especially when the budget is tight," Richardson said.

- BRIAN LANDMAN, Times staff writer

FSU 4, FLORIDA 2: Sophomore Bryan Henry pitched 71/3 innings as the 14th-ranked Seminoles upset the No. 5 Gators. Reliever Tyler Chambliss picked up his 11th save of the season, moving him in to a tie for the NCAA lead.

USF 9, UCF 2: Freshman Joey Angelberger hit third-inning grand slam and drove in five runs for the Bulls in Tampa. The decision sent UCF starter Ray Rodriguez to his first loss of the season.

ILLINI GUARD GOING PRO: Junior guard Deron Williams will skip his senior season at Illinois and enter the NBA draft. He has signed with an agent, which prevents him from returning to the Illini next season. The 6-foot-3 Williams, a third-team AP All-America known for his playmaking and defensive abilities, averaged 12.5 points per game this season as the Illini reached the national championship game.

WAKE'S WILLIAMS TESTING DRAFT: Wake Forest junior center Eric Williams joined sophomore guard Chris Paul in submitting his name for early entry for the NBA draft. Unlike Paul, however, Williams doesn't plan to hire an agent, leaving him the option of returning to school.

VIRGINIA TECH: Marcus Vick, 21, brother of Falcons QB Michael Vick, was named starting quarterback a year after he was suspended by the school following two of arrests.

ARKANSAS TIGHT END ARRESTED: Jared Hicks was arrested Monday in West Fork and cited for public intoxication.

MIAMI: Charlotte coach Katie Meier was hired to lead the program, less than a month after longtime coach Ferne Labati was fired following a 16-loss season.

CHARLOTTE: Former Florida star Amanda Butler (1990-94) was named coach. She is the first UF graduate to become a head coach of an NCAA Division I women's team.

CO-COACH OF THE YEAR: Florida men's coach Andy Jackson was named the SEC Co-Coach of the Year while newcomer Greg Ouellette was tabbed the SEC Freshman of the Year.

[Last modified April 20, 2005, 02:56:36]