Colleges

Atkins off B-CC as problems grow

By IZZY GOULD
Published October 13, 2006

Avery Atkins' stay at Bethune-Cookman has come to an abrupt end.

Turns out he has much bigger problems than worrying about his collegiate career.

The former Florida defensive back told the Daytona Beach News-Journal he withdrew from classes soon after the Wildcats' third game because he quickly fell behind in the classroom.

Saturday, Atkins was charged with domestic battery against the mother of his child for the second time since June, the paper reported. Atkins entered a deferred prosecution agreement Sept. 25 on the June charge. The state agreed to dismiss the case if Atkins completed a domestic violence intervention program and stayed out of trouble for nine months.

Atkins played in three games then was a no-show for practice after a 45-21 loss to South Carolina State in Week 3. When B-CC coach Alvin Wyatt called his parents seeking answers, he was less than satisfied.

"I haven't had an opportunity to speak with him," Wyatt told the News-Journal. "I made contact with his parents and I couldn't get any answers, so we're moving on.

"I hate to give up on a kid, especially one I've known since he was a baby, but it is time to move on."

Wyatt mailed a letter to Atkins informing him of his release from the team.

Atkins had one kickoff return for 27 yards, eight solo tackles, two assists and two pass breakups. He was granted a release from Florida and transferred to B-CC over the summer.

NEW MAN IN CHARGE: What? You didn't think Florida International could steal a few headlines from its new rivalry against Miami?

Think again.

The Golden Panthers introduced their new athletic director Tuesday, former Miami senior associate athletic director for external operations Pete Garcia. He signed a five-year deal worth $220,000 per year to replace Rick Mello.

Garcia will have to publicly support Miami this weekend. His new gig doesn't start until Monday.

"One of the things that I would like to do in my career is establish an elite sports program at (FIU)," he told the Miami Herald. "... There is no reason in my mind why this sports program and this community can't have a USC-UCLA type scenario (between FIU and UM) and we're going to make that happen."

BACK IN BLACK: Going to tonight's UCF-Pittsburgh game?

If you're a Golden Knights fan, better wear a black T-shirt.

UCF hopes to stir up excitement for the nationally televised game by asking fans to "Blackout the Bowl."

One of the more memorable "blackout games" occurred in 2001 when South Carolina fans tried to black out Florida for a nationally televised night game. The blackout was inspired by students and brought back memories of 1984 and the "Black Magic" season when the Gamecocks went 10-2 and coach Joe Morrison roamed the sideline dressed head-to-toe in black.

The Gators rolled to a 54-17 win.

THE NEXT GENERATION: Miami running back Tyrone Moss practiced this week and is expected to play Saturday, coach Larry Coker said.

"I feel great - 100 percent," Moss told the Miami Herald. "We've got to get back on track, and I have to get back on that field and help contribute."

Moss will probably be the backup to Javarris James, who has established himself as the starter. He leads all backs with 361 yards, three touchdowns and Miami's longest rushing score for 62 yards against North Carolina.

James - cousin of Arizona Cardinals running back Edgerrin James - became the first 'Canes back to rush for back-to-back 100-yard games since Clinton Portis in 1999.

He rushed for 111 yards last weekend against the Tar Heels and 148 yards against Houston.

FEELING GOOD: Florida A&M running back Joe Lawson is expected to play Saturday after missing four weeks with a fractured left foot. He had nine carries for 38 yards in his first game, a 34-14 loss to Delaware State, and has not played since.

"He adds some speed to our offense and his ability and the things he does really well," coach Rubin Carter told the Tallahassee Democrat. "We'll just have to continue to evaluate him to see whether he'd be able to go in and help us this weekend."

The Rattlers, coming off a bye week, host South Carolina State.

UCF VS. PITTsburgh

8 tonight, Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando; ESPN2

[Last modified October 13, 2006, 06:10:12]