Colleges

Suspended Lee takes blame, says he's sorry

Xavier Lee issued an apology to his teammates and coaches Tuesday, a day after he was suspended two games by coach Bobby Bowden for violating Florida State's academic policy on class attendance.

By TIMES STAFF
Published October 31, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - Xavier Lee issued an apology to his teammates and coaches Tuesday, a day after he was suspended two games by coach Bobby Bowden for violating Florida State's academic policy on class attendance.

"My two-game suspension came about due to the team's class attendance policy," Lee said in a statement. "I made a mistake not holding up my responsibilities as far as going to classes like I should have. This is my fault and I take full responsibility. I want to apologize to my teammates and coaches and let them know I plan on doing whatever it takes to make this situation right."

Redshirt freshmen D'Vontrey Richardson and Christian Ponder are splitting time with the second-team offense. Ponder admitted he was a bit nervous running the offense after being relegated to the scout team for most of the regular season.

"I just have to get back in the groove, get back being comfortable with the offense," he said.

Injury update: Tailback Antone Smith was held out of contact as he tries to recover from a sprained left ankle. Linebacker Marcus Ball practiced and expects to play Saturday against No.2 Boston College. He sprained his left ankle Oct.11 against Wake Forest.

Jamey Givens, Times correspondent

USF: Ford practices

TAMPA - Three days after being taken to the hospital with injured ribs, running back Mike Ford returned to full practice.

"We won't know for sure (if he'll play) until the end of the week," coach Jim Leavitt said.

Ford shares the team lead with Matt Grothe with six rushing touchdowns.

MRI results on wide receiver Amarri Jackson's injured right knee were unavailable by late afternoon. He missed practice for the second straight day.

STEPPING UP: After two conference road losses dropped the team from No.2 to No.18 in the BCS rankings, Ben Moffitt took it upon himself to try to turn around the season.

The senior middle linebacker gave an impassioned speech to let his teammates know the season isn't lost and they can rebound Saturday when they host Cincinnati.

"Ben Moffitt is a great leader, he got up and told us ... that we let it get to our head and don't let your teammates down," defensive lineman George Selvie said. "He let us know that he's going to push everyone on the offense or defense (and) make us do whatever we have to do to win this game."

Brendan Galella, Times correspondent

UF: Cooper healing

GAINESVILLE - Florida receiver Riley Cooper said he expects to practice today for the first time since surgery last week to repair his broken right pinky.

"It's feeling good," Cooper said after practice. "They are going to bandage it up (today) and I'm going to catch some balls and see how it feels."

Cooper ran during practice but did not attempt to catch any passes.

WALKER'S STATUS: Running back Chevon Walker was not at practice and his status remains uncertain. "He's just got some personal issues he's got to take care of," coach Urban Meyer said. Walker did not dress for Saturday's game against Georgia in Jacksonville.

TEBOW BETTER BUT NOT WELL: Quarterback Tim Tebow is in a noncontact jersey for the second straight week while trying to rehab his bruised right (nonthrowing) shoulder. He said Monday the arm had improved, but he likely will play in some pain until he's able to rest. Safety Major Wright, who had surgery for a broken right thumb last week, was without his cast and said he'll try to go without it this week.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

UM: Wright still ailing

CORAL GABLES - Miami quarterback Kyle Wright practiced, but his status for Saturday's game against North Carolina State is unclear. Wright has a sprained left ankle and a sprained tendon behind his left knee. He was hurt against FSU Oct.20 and said he wouldn't have played if the Hurricanes had a game last weekend. If Wright cannot play, Kirby Freeman will start.

Associated Press

[Last modified October 30, 2007, 23:14:06]