Bucs' Ford may get to rejoin team

Administrators will discuss lifting the senior's suspension.

By DAVID MURPHY and JAMAL THALJI , Times Staff Writers
Published September 13, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - Gulf High administrators are expected to meet today to discuss whether to reinstate suspended fullback/linebacker Julian Ford, who has been off the team since a May arrest.

Ford, 17, was charged with robbery and felony battery. Authorities say he broke a man's jaw and took a necklace from him in April. Ford has pleaded innocent and his family maintains his innocence.

Athletic director Paul Girardi said he likely will meet today with principal Thomas Imerson to discuss the case and a letter from Ford's defense attorney that says a judge does not object to him playing football his senior year.

"It appears that a great injustice may be done to Mr. Ford by suspending him from participation in the football program during the pendency of this charge," wrote assistant public defender Susan Gardner.

Ford, his family and lawyer were in court Wednesday to discuss his pending case. Gardner told Circuit Judge Thane Covert that school officials were looking for some sort of guidance in whether Ford could play while facing felony charges.

The Pasco County student code of conduct calls for a 20-day suspension for any student-athlete arrested. After that, the school can - and did - extend the suspension.

"I have no objection to him playing," the judge said. "In fact, I encourage it."

But Covert pointed out that was not a legal opinion. The judge added he didn't know if it was "appropriate" for him to weigh in on the matter.

Gardner also told the court the defense is discussing the issue of "misidentification" of her client with the detective in the case.

"I intend to find out what happened (Wednesday) in court, will speak with the principal and we'll evaluate it," Girardi said.

[Last modified September 12, 2007, 22:35:38]