Hillsborough: News and Notes

By JOE SMITH
Published February 6, 2008

The fallout from the recent dismissal of Gaither senior pitcher Eric Doty has taken a nasty turn, with Doty's father, Rick, saying he's contemplating civil action.

Doty, 18, was dismissed from the team last week after "two specks" of marijuana were found in the passenger's side of his vehicle on campus, Rick Doty confirmed to the Times.

Cowboys coach Frank Permuy said he wasn't at liberty to elaborate on the dismissal, but said it was for a "violation of team rules" and that Doty had no chance of being reinstated.

Eric Doty, who signed a letter of intent with Florida Gulf Coast University last fall, has been released from his scholarship, his dad said. Doty will instead sign with Polk Community College when "all the paperwork is done," his father said.

"The whole process of the dismissal was flawed and unfair," Rick Doty said.

According to Rick Doty, Permuy agreed to reinstate Eric if he met several stipulations and was voted back on by teammates.

Rick Doty said the initial team vote ended with a 6-6 deadlock. Players and coaches were allowed to address the team before the second vote, which ended with a majority favoring dismissal. Permuy confirmed the majority vote.

"My point is, why weren't we allowed to speak?" Rick Doty said. "It was a kangaroo court."

Eric Doty, who would have been the Cowboys' most experienced returning pitcher, finished 2-3 with a 2.73 ERA in 2007. In 41 innings, he struck out 48 and walked 18.

Youth served

Just a few weeks ago, many would have thought the Class 3A-11 boys basketball tournament would be a slam dunk for Berkeley Prep. But the Bucs, at one time ranked No. 1 in the state, have appeared vulnerable in losses to Tampa Prep, St. Petersburg Catholic and Jesuit. Other than SPC, host Tampa Catholic (14-10) can't be counted out. The Crusaders, who start a freshman and two sophomores, have won eight of their last 11, including an upset on the road of perennial power Florida Air last week. TC coach Don Dziagwa called it one of the biggest regular-season wins he has ever been associated with.

Signing day, behind the scenes

More than 40 county football players will sign national letters of intent today. Follow the preps blog http://blogs.tampabay.com/preps/ for full coverage and color from the ceremonies.

Numbers game

12 Hillsborough High football players signing national letters of intent today in a ceremony, tying the program record set in 1995
Tigers duo picks USF

Two of Jesuit's top baseball players, junior shortstop Nick Lockwood and junior rightfielder Jimmy Falla, have committed to South Florida, Tigers coach Rich Warren said. Lockwood hit .323 last year;Falla hit .286.

[Last modified February 5, 2008, 20:58:05]