The latest involves the NCAA”s eligibility ruling on Oklahoma linebacker Mike Balogun. The long and short of the story is FSU overheard a story during the BCS talking about how Balogun, who is 25, played semi-pro football. FSU had a similar case that involved Corey Surrency and the school was doing everything it could to get the wide receiver an extra year of eligibility.

The NCAA ultimately denied the extra year, citing rules that prohibit playing for any type of semi-pro team after the age of 21. If you do you lose a year of eligibility in college for every season you played on that level.

FSU’s office of compliance called Oklahoma to discuss the situation. Eventually word trickled to the NCAA and Balogun has been ruled ineligible for this season.

Balogun filed a lawsuit against the NCAA and he said it was FSU’s fault for ratting him out. FSU said it didn’t and released the following statement:

In response to erroneous media reports, Florida State University athletics would like to clarify its conversation with Oklahoma University as it pertains to the eligibility of Sooners linebacker Mike Balogun.

Florida State’s compliance office did contact the Oklahoma University compliance office after learning that Balogun had played in a semi-pro football league while watching the Jan. 9, 2009 television broadcast of the Bowl Championship Series national championship game.

“The purpose of the inquiry to Oklahoma University was to gather information regarding a similar eligibility case involving former Florida State wide receiver Corey Surrency,” said Brian Battle, FSU Associate Athletic Director for Compliance. “Florida State’s compliance office did not contact the Big 12 or the NCAA.”

Surrency, who also played in a semi-pro football league beyond his 21st birthday, was denied a second year of eligibility by the NCAA following the school’s appeal on April 28, 2009.

“There was no ill intention on our part,” Battle said. “It was merely a fact-finding phone call, made only to the Oklahoma University compliance office. This is a very common practice amongst compliance offices with this type of complex situation.”

Oh and these teams play next season in Norman, Okla., and In Tallahassee in 2011. It should be interesting, not only for the fact it will be a god matchup but because of this bit of news. But I think this will blow over.

Post from: Organized Chaos

On that occasion, Tebow turned his ire into beating the team. Hayes’ recent run-in with an angry person led to a visit to the hospital.

The Tampa Tribune reported Monday that Hayes was stabbed in the head and neck by his girlfriend. He received a superficial wound from a pair of scissors and when he wrestled them away he was stabbed in the neck with a knife. This occurred early Saturday morning.

In all seriousness, it’s good that Hayes was treated and released. Domestic disputes can get scary. His girlfriend, 19-year-old Shevelle Bagley, was charged with aggravated battery and assault.

Hayes, 21, is now a linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Post from: Organized Chaos

Similar challenges have been upheld, so FSU stands a good chance. If the appeal is not accepted then this could be good news for those FSU fans who want a fresh start. And believe me, I’ve heard many of them.

If Bowden is indeed up to 15 wins away from Joe Paterno for the all-time major college record then you can expect to see Jimbo Fisher as the head coach as early as 2010. Most believe the record is the only thing keeping Bowden around, though some of the reason is to get back to winning ways and put the program back on the right track.

On the whole, these penalties were a good message sent by the NCAA. Academic cheating should not be tolerated, and while it does go on everywhere, the fact is FSU was caught.

Many thought the NCAA would accept FSU’s recommendations since the school self-reported. The NCAA did not, which will make other institutions less likely to tattle on itself.
In the end this will be good if the problem goes away. If for some reason it doesn’t then there needs to be wholesale changes in the administration.

It’s amazing to me that most of these athletes remained in school despite the cheating. I knew in college that cheating was really bad and if you did it then you got booted. These student-athletes should send thank-you cards to FSU for not doing the same.

Post from: Organized Chaos

The report will be made public. Members of the the Committee on Infractions also will address the media to discuss the findings.

FSU self-reported its violations and gave recommendations for its punishment. The investigation has taken more than five months and the school and the public has been anxiously awaiting the news.

Check back later for more on this story.

Post from: Organized Chaos

Those were Bay’s Khyri Thornton and DeAndre Richardson, Arnold’s Chris Jackson and Marianna’s Bradley Battles. We also had several small-school signings. You can read all about those here.

I’m the first to admit that signings can be tedious work, if you allow them to be. Yes, the brunt of the stories is the same, but it’s always nice when you find a better story than just some kid who’s moving on to the next level.

Thornton provided some of this, as he was open about his lack of study skills. He said he liked to party at Bay and he skipped class a lot. He said getting Ds was good enough.

He soon realized it wasn’t good enough and he went to Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va. This was the same place Mosley’s Enrique Davis went. There’s little doubt they came out changed men.

Thornton said the semester lasts four months and you aren’t allowed contact with your family for three months. It’s like extended boot camp. You are there to study, work out and be disciplined.

Thornton said he’s a better man for it. Now if only he had enough sense to show up with a jacket. It was funny to see a 300-pound man shiver through the first part of his signing.

Now to some thoughts on FSU’s class.

The late addition of Greg Reid, coupled with some additional signings on Wednesday helped make this class pretty good. A lot of these guys will play next season. It will be interesting to see how they pan out.

This is probably one of the most well-rounded classes for FSU that I have seen in my six years with The News Herald. They filled needs, but also provided depth for offensive line, quarterback, running back and linebacker.

The Seminoles’ overall ranking differs depending on where you look. Last I checked FSU was sixth at Rivals.com and tied for 16th at Scout.com. FSU was ahead of Florida on Rivals and one spot behind the Gators on Scout.

Put what you want into that, but it doesn’t mean the talent is that much different. Florida didn’t have as many holes to fill and the Gators don’t need many freshmen to step up early. The Gators are loaded, which isn’t the case with the Seminoles.

Post from: Organized Chaos

This is a great pick up for FSU and it fills an immediate need at corner if Reid can step in and play early. Top corner Tony Carter is gone and the Seminoles had been expected to sign four defensive backs, but all played safety in high school, including Willie Downs who might be able to slide to corner.

Reid was committed to Florida until a month ago. He thought he had rushed his decision and decided to open up his recruiting. Florida coach Urban Meyer wasn’t happy, as Reid told several publications that Meyer spoke to him in a “stern tone” to voice his displeasure.

Reid also considered Auburn and Miami. He took Florida off the table a few days ago.

Post from: Organized Chaos

The latest bad news revolves around the wide receiving corps … the same group that decided to stage an Ultimate Fighting contest in the student union in November. Preston Parker was kicked off the team on Monday after being arrested for driving under the influence on Saturday.

He had the munchies, you know, and was found passed out in a McDonald’s drive-thru lane. He was driving a Dodge Charger, according to reports, and I would be interested to know if it was his. I’d hope not, as the last time I saw a new Charger on a showroom floor it had a list price of around $52,000.

Parker, Bert Reed and Cameron Wade are three players who have been arrested since November. Parker also was arrested in 2008 and 2006. Another wide receiver, Corey Surrency, also had a scrape with the law of the felony variety. Surrency, by the way, is petitioning the NCAA for another year of eligiblity.

I’m sure the NCAA has its hands full with another matter concerning FSU, however. The organization is expected to rule soon on any extra sanctions for the school after the academic cheating scandal broke in 2007.

Dozens of athletes, many football players, were suspended for respective contests. The school also did an internal investigation and deemed that its steps were good enough.

Prior to last football season, FSU was hoping the NCAA would take a nicer look at the situation and agree to the sanctions they proposed. But recent events, including the on-campus brawl that involved several players and Parker’s latest ignorance, is probably not being looked upon too well by the NCAA.

There is likely to be a reduction in scholarships for football over the next two or three seasons. This may affect recruiting in the future but probably not next year’s class, which will be in the fold on Wednesday’s National Signing Day.

Rumors are floating that the entire 2007 season could be forfeited. That would mean little in terms of history or change any championships, as FSU was 7-6. What it would do is put Bowden even further behind Penn State’s Joe Paterno in the quest for the all-time wins mark.

Word from the NCAA is expected soon. Wouldn’t it be grand if it came on Wednesday to upstage FSU’s “happy day?” Heck, it wouldn’t matter anyhow. There’s little good going on in Tallahassee these days.

Your thoughts?

Update, Feb. 3, 4:21 p.m.: There is a common belief that the NCAA has already informed FSU about its decision. The theory is that FSU is figuring out when to release or perhaps they are negotiating with the NCAA as we speak.

NCAA guidelines call for a release of all findings and comments on a particular case to national and state wire services. So, we all will know for sure when that happens. It’s also part of the policy to have a “sinking in” period, where institutions are given a heads-up and time to prepare.

A key thing to see is if FSU does indeed sign its expected 17 other football prospects on Wednesday. If they sign fewer then perhaps the reduction in scholarships was more than anticipated. If it’s at 17, including the one who has already signed and is in school, or more then either there was no further reduction or FSU has not learned of its fate.

I’d lean toward there was no further reduction. Self-reporting is a good thing, and the NCAA seems to look kindly on that. However, the NCAA also has a habit of making an example. We’ll see.

Post from: Organized Chaos

This is bad news for Parker, who was suspended for the first two games of last season due to a gun and drug possession charge. From what I understand, he was undergoing regular drug tests and is apparently still engaging in the ganja.

He was placed on 12 months probation in May. This latest charge could carry as much as six months in jail. I’d also assume he could serve his probation time in jail if so desired by a judge, but I’m not certain.

If I had to guess, he’ll serve about six months. If he gets out of this it will be amazing.

By the way, FSU sports information said they would not be making a comment on Saturday.

Follow the jump to read my updated thoughts. You also can read my story here.

This is just another sad story of a guy who didn’t get it the first time. Perhaps he thinks he’s bullet proof. Or maybe he just made a mistake. I’m thinking he knew what he was doing and just didn’t care.

If it were me, and believe me it never would be as I’ve only drank three times in my life at legal age and have never done drugs. BUT, if it were me and I was drinking and smoking pot, I would have one of my sober buddies go to McDonald’s to get me my egg mcmuffins.

That way you can just lounge and you wouldn’t have to worry about falling asleep in your car. It’s a good thing he didn’t hurt anyone. He had his foot on the brake, but could have easily fallen asleep with it off the brake or worse with it on the accelerator.

Now he has a lot of thinking to do. There’s little doubt the next few days will be life-changing. Again, knowing FSU’s rules about misdemeanors, which DUI is, that there is little that can keep Parker on this team.

It would be a huge shock if he isn’t dismissed. But, FSU has proved to be tricky, especially when it comes to these matters.

The most important thing is for Parker to get clean and sober and figure out a way to make something of his life rather than throwing everything away.

Post from: Organized Chaos

Brown was one of the best linemen in the country and figures to be a high draft pick, possibly a first-rounder, which has been rare for the Seminoles in recent years. He led the Seminoles with 13.5 sacks and was sixth on the team with 36 tackles.

I’m working up a story on this and I will update this later. You can read the story here.

Update, Jan. 7, 8:24 p.m. —-

This isn’t a surprise at all and you know there were few people in the Seminoles’ athletic department holding out hope he’d have a change of heart.

Athletes must declare by Jan. 15, so this is on par with other decisions. Georgia’s Knowshon Moreno and Matthew Stafford also declared on Wednesday.

Brown already locked up his degree and was ready to go. He’s projected by many to be taken in the first round, while others aren’t as high on him.

I don’t see any reason why he won’t go in the first round. This year’s draft class isn’t spectacular as a whole, but he’s one of the best players in the bunch.

Post from: Organized Chaos

The programs will meet for the first time on Sept. 26, 2009 in Tallahassee. The return meeting will be in Tampa on Sept. 29, 2012.

This completes FSU’s 2009 home schedule. The Seminoles also host Miami, N.C. State, Maryland, Georgia Tech and Maine. It will be the first time since 1995 that FSU will play three teams from the state.

“We are pleased to have added USF to our football schedule,” Florida State Athletic Director Randy Spetman said. “Anytime you can play a quality in-state opponent, everybody wins because it generates excitement for fans of both schools throughout the state. Having had a successful conclusion to our 2008 football campaign, we look forward to even greater things in 2009.”

FSU also announced that season tickets for 2009 are on sale now. The cost for the package is $266 and this is the first time that fans may extend the payment of the season tickets over as many as seven months. For more information, visit seminoles.com or call 1-888-FSU-NOLE.

Post from: Organized Chaos

Early on it was another case of a sluggish FSU offense taking the field. Had it not been for game MVP Graham Gano pinning the Badgers inside their 2-yard line three times then this game could have turned out differently.

Bobby Bowden noted how this was a flashback to the past and it appeared so as the defense gave the Seminoles its first score on a 75-yard fumble return for a TD by Derek Nicholson. Dekoda Watson also had a fumble return for a score.

But those big plays masked a defense that was torched on the ground again. FSU gave up 201 yards rushing, but a steadily growing lead helped the Seminoles avoid a disaster. The run defense was terrible down the stretch.

This was a game where it looked like the Seminoles were having fun. They needed a game like this, especially after how they finished the year.

What’s next? Well, I’ve already delved into that. You can read my thoughts again if you’d like. But there’s little doubt there will be momentum from this heading into the spring.

Here’s a few quick final thoughts:

Myron Rolle played his final collegiate game, but you shouldn’t worry too much about his departure. He was highly touted out of high school but never became a truly great safety. He was OK, and Bobby Bowden even noted Rolle needed to make bigger plays.

Also, Gano was the team’s season MVP. He was amazing as a place-kicker and showed that he should have been punting all season. He will be sorely missed.

Standout player: Greg Carr ended his FSU career with eight grabs for 78 yards and a TD. He also made a heckuva one-handed catch.

Inside the boxscore: Wisconsin running back P.J. Hill had 140 yards, which is a lot in such a blowout game. … Drew Weatherford played late, finishing 5 of 6 for 77 yards. … FSU again played well on third down, going 10 of 17.

Next up: Recruiting. FSU needs a good class and a lot of the incoming guys are sure to play. The Seminoles will be solid on offense but need to fill holes on defense.

Post from: Organized Chaos

This is a major contrast in styles. FSU emphasizes speed, while Wisconsin likes to run the football with a bruising offensive line and an even tougher running back.

FSU was passed over earlier in the week for the Gator Bowl and the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

All 10 of the Atlantic Coast Conference bowl-eligible teams were selected. The ACC has tie-ins with only nine bowls, but any team can fill a slot in another bowl left vacant if that particular league doesn’t have enough teams that qualified.

Wake Forest will be the first team to play, as the Demon Deacons face Navy in the EagleBank Bowl Dec. 20 in Washington, D.C. This is a rematch of a Sept. 27 game won by Navy 24-17.

Virginia Tech was the only ACC team to play in the BCS. The Hokies earned the automatic berth into the BCS with the win over Boston College in Saturday’s championship game. No other ACC teams were even close to sniffing the BCS, but it was good to see the 10 teams advance to the postseason.

Here’s the ACC bowl schedule:

EagleBank Bowl
Wake Forest vs. Navy
Washington, D.C. - RFK Stadium
Dec. 20, 11 a.m. ESPN

Champs Sports
Wisconsin vs. Florida State
Orlando - Florida Citrus Bowl
Dec. 27, 4:30 p.m. ESPN

Emerald
Miami vs. California
San Francisco - AT&T Park
Dec. 27, 8 p.m. ESPN

Papajohns.com
NC State vs. Rutgers
Birmingham, Ala. - Legion Field
Dec. 29, 3 p.m. ESPN

Roady’s Humanitarian
Maryland vs. Nevada
Boise, Idaho - Bronco Stadium
Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m. ESPN

Gaylord Hotels Music City
Boston College vs. Vanderbilt
Nashville, Tenn. - LP Field
Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m. ESPN

Chick-fil-A
LSU vs. Georgia Tech
Atlanta - Georgia Dome
Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. ESPN

Capital One
Georgia vs. Michigan State
Orlando - Florida Citrus Bowl
Jan. 1, 2009, 1 p.m. ABC

Konica Minolta Gator
Clemson vs. Nebraska
Jacksonville - Jacksonville Municipal Stadium
Jan. 1, 2009, 1 p.m. CBS

Orange
Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech
Miami - Dolphin Stadium
Jan. 1, 2009, 8:30 p.m. FOX

Post from: Organized Chaos