FSU's Preston Parker Arrested

[BucNut]

Florida State receiver Preston Parker was jailed early Tuesday morning in Palm Beach County.

According to the booking report on the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Web site, Parker was arrested on charges of carrying a concealed firearm and possession of marijuana less than 20 grams.

He is being held on $4,500 bail for the firearm charge -- a third-degree felony -- and $500 bail for the marijuana charge.

Parker went home to Palm Beach County last week at the end of classes. He is expected to return to Tallahassee later this week for a final exam.

FSU responded to Parker's arrest with a brief statement from FSU director of athletics Randy Spetman.

“We are aware of Preston’s arrest and are gathering the facts of the situation,” Spetman said. “We have an Athletics Code of Conduct/Discipline Policy in place for all student-athletes and once we’ve thoroughly reviewed the details of the incident, we will handle the situation according to that policy.”

FSU football coach Bobby Bowden is out of town participating in his annual tour of Seminole Clubs and was not available for comment.

In addition to the Code of Conduct, players are subject to a substance-abuse policy.

Parker will be subjected to the school’s code of conduct for student athletes as well as the substance abuse policy.

A student-athlete charged with a felony is barred from participating in games until the case is resolved in court.

Disciplinary actions handed down by the athletic department following a misdemeanor charge, per athletic department policy, will be up to the head coach after the matter is also reviewed by the athletic director.

Parker's marijuana charge falls under a misdemenor. It is not clear how his charge of "carrying concealed weapon-firearm" will be classified.

This is not Parker’s first brush with the law.

He was arrested by Tallahassee police on Nov. 5, 2006 after trying to steal a DVD at Best Buy on Apalachee Parkway, according to Leon County records. The DVD was vaulated at $9.99.

Parker, then a freshman at FSU, was observed by store-security workers on closed-circuit TV. Parker and prosecutors reached a diversion agreement which would allow the charge to be dismissed.

But, according to court records, Parker still owes $200 in court costs and fines, and the case remains open.

Parker is regarded as FSU’s best player. The versatile playmaker started five games at either tailback or wide receiver and was FSU’s top punt returner during his sophomore season.

Parker, named the team’s offensive MVP for the 2007 season, caught 62 passes for 791 yards and three touchdowns. He led the team in receptions and also rushed for 270 yards and two touchdowns.

Parker, who is from Delray Beach, missed most of spring practice because of a groin injury.

He is a graduate of Atlantic High School in Delray Beach.
NoleSports.com


What an absolutely boneheaded thing to do! Like FSU doesn't have enough going on right now with the cheating scandal. If he can't play, I'll be shocked if the nolies win more than two games...and those will be the cupcakes they scheduled for the first two games when most of the starters are suspended.