February 11, 2006
Governor's text message could cost FSU
When FSU President T.K. Weatherall called in a favor from Florida Gov Jeb Bush, he probably didn't anticipate the possible negative ramifications it could have for his Florida State football team.
According to reports sourced in a previous post on recruting ethics involving FSU star recruit Myron Rolle, FSU enlisted the governor's help to send a text message from Bush to Rolle in November, prior to Rolle enrolling at Florida State in January. Rolle testified to the same before the NCAA's Knight Commission on recruiting ethics. To the best of Rolle's recollection, the message read:
“I’m excited you’re looking at Florida State. When you come to Tallahassee again, let’s hook up with each other — Jeb Bush.”
The NCAA has contacted FSU to determine if the governor's actions constitute a recruiting violation.
The NCAA could rule this to be a secondary or minor violation if Bush is determined by the NCAA to be a representative of FSU's athletic interests.A statement released by NCAA spokesperson Kevin Barrett said: “The NCAA is aware of the situation and has been in contact with Florida State University. We are waiting for the university to submit information, and we will analyze it to determine if any violations occurred.”
While the whole incident will likely blow over with no ramifications for the 'Noles, Florida football coach Urban Meyer was less than impressed with Bush's actions.
“I want to meet the governor, and tell him that last time I checked, the University of Florida is a state institution, too,” said Meyer, who was also recruiting Rolle. …
EDSBS has more, including other suggested involvements by Bush.
Comments:
Bring in tha Gimp said:
posted on February 11, 2006 2:28 PM — 172.131.95.116 — link — abuse?
Why is the name "Bush", becoming synonymous with pure comedy. I'm not even a democrat, and I find this so laughable. How the hell do you have time to worry about football recruits and you still have people struggling to get their lives together from hurricane season of TWO YEARS AGO??
WB said:
posted on February 11, 2006 3:02 PM — 71.14.118.63 — link — abuse?
A similar thing happened at South Carolina a couple of years ago. The governor met with some recruits, which I believe was a "minor" NCAA violation. I think it was part of the list of several violations that the Gamecock football program had under Holtz. It essentially didn't amount to anything, however, as far as probation went.
Here's an snipet from the article in The State, from April 20, 2003:
The governor, Jim Hodges, was a big sports fan before he took office, well known for his support of the University of South Carolina, where he had earned undergraduate and law degrees.
But when he heard Clemson coach Tommy Bowden and Gamecocks counterpart Lou Holtz preaching about the need for South Carolina high school football players to stay in-state, Hodges said he contacted both coaches and offered "to help in any way."
The Tigers never took Hodges up on the offer. But USC did, and as a result, the Gamecocks might have committed up to four NCAA recruiting infractions for improper contact between recruits and a member of the school's board of trustees. As governor, Hodges was an ex-officio member of the board.
USC already has reported two of the secondary violations to the NCAA, with at least one more expected to be sent to college athletics' governing body sometime soon. USC also is investigating reports of a fourth incident.
If the NCAA agrees that the violations were secondary, the penalties would likely be minimal. For example, coaches might be reprimanded or have their recruiting efforts restricted.
The NCAA does not discuss specific cases. But NCAA spokesman Jeff Howard offered a definition last week of what the organization considers secondary violations.
Such violations result in no significant recruiting edge, if any, he said. But a series of related secondary violations can become a more serious infraction if it results in "more than a minimal recruiting advantage," Howard said.
Fighting Ibis said:
posted on February 11, 2006 5:19 PM — 69.163.197.196 — link — abuse?
Kevin you post an article "Governor's text message could cost FSU", but you know as well as I that nothing "FSU has never been penalized & should have been put on probation for lack of institutional control" will come of this "It's Bobby Bowden"!
His players can rape woman, resist arrest "without violence of course, but police used a stun gun", get freebies at Dillard's, sell marijauna, and on and on without any reprocussion! Well the players might have to run stadium & they definetely won't miss out on UM games no matter what?
UM got five years probation and loss of 25 scholarships for a player getting a discount rate on an apartment in Miami after Hurricane Andrew because the apartment overlooked the dump area "player was waiting for his apartment to be fixed" and no carpet! Can you say reaching for anything to punish the program! South Carolina just had how many NCAA violations and got a slap on the wrist! UM will always pay for beating up on Notre Dame, Nebraska, OU, Michigan and anyone else they weren't supposed to at the time...
posted on February 11, 2006 11:03 PM — 68.35.231.61 — link — abuse?Mike Boone said:
Does the article mention that Gov. Bush is a huge Miami Hurricanes fan? And why is this a story now? Myron Rolle commited months ago and is already enrolled at Florida State.
Orson Swindle said:
posted on February 11, 2006 11:40 PM — 68.211.152.119 — link — abuse?
It's noteworthy because it's the governor, and because it's a potential recruiting violation.
It ultimately won't damage FSU all that much, but it does have definite zing as a story because of Jeb!'s involvement.
Joe said:
posted on February 12, 2006 12:48 AM — 65.35.97.56 — link — abuse?
Tempest in a teapot... Rolle committed orally to the Noles in September. Any text message after that while it could be inferred to be unneccessary surely couldn't be construed as a violation since Bush is not a FSU booster. That Mr "king of text messaging" Ubie Meyer would complain is laughable. Does Bowden even use a computer? You see it is all about integrity and honesty, and Bowden is and always will be the king of such things.
Certainly, all the crap Rolle faced from the Lemmings and all the CFB when he announced he was going to FSU not only for football but for academics prompted the text message. Frankly that "Crap" was totally more insulting to the fine academic institution FSU has always been, and Bush reacted, which he indeed should have when any state institution is unwarrantedly being assailed. That this is coming out now is nothing more that BS "sour grapes" from a bunch of "losers".
BlackHawkNole said:
posted on February 12, 2006 11:52 AM — 67.22.124.188 — link — abuse?
Good job Fighting Ibis, Im happy that finally somebody finally cleared up that Miami
fans really are that stupid. How can you even question our program when
under Dennis Erickson and Jimmy Johnson you had one of the dirtiest
programs in the country. Im not even going to mention the illegitimate
HS your federal prison of a school made so your criminals could qualify. People in
glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
NorthNOLE said:
posted on February 14, 2006 5:15 PM — 24.51.169.157 — link — abuse?
Really.. that's why UM got put on probation???
That's really funny.. I mean.. and I'm just guessing and all.. but it had absolutely nothing to do with 2-live-crew's Luther Campbell (Luke Skyywalker) paying players to score touchdowns, intercept passes, sack quarterbacks, and knock opposing players out of the game.. as well as other violations..
I'm not saying FSU is squeaky clean, because they obviously aren't.. but how can you act like UM's probation was only because of a housing conflict after a hurricane.. Come on.. you are smarter than to actually believe that...
PS... Willie Williams still has two years left on his three year probation for violating his original probation for burglerizing a stereo shop in Pembroke Pines.. just to keep you up to date on the current felons appearing on your roster
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on February 15, 2006 4:09 PM — 208.57.130.196 — link — abuse?
So What? The NCAA has so many stupid rules that nobody could ever keep track of them all. And, I am sure, just like our own government, they just keep inventing new discretions every year. That's how organized crime in this country makes money now days. If Jeb likes the Noles - what is wrong with that? I don't care if Arnold likes the Bears, Bruins or Cardinal. What difference does that make? Nobody likes republicans anymore anyway. Seems like it might be the kiss of death.
Tommie Trojan (a Republican)
Orson Swindle said:
posted on February 17, 2006 1:28 PM — 12.13.183.235 — link — abuse?
"You see it is all about integrity and honesty, and Bowden is and always will be the king of such things."
Can't comment...too surreal...
tmape01 said:
posted on February 20, 2006 1:12 AM — 68.214.120.29 — link — abuse?
Rolle is a good student, and he is enrolled in the FSU Honors program. You can graduate as a fully certified clown in less than three years, a performer suited for any circus or fair sanctioned by the American Clown Association. The interest feigned by Rolle in "medical school" is actually FSU's renowned clown makeup application seminar. Compared to most of the classwork at Florida State, the makeup sessions are intense and a simpleton like Rolle should be easily forgiven for his misunderstandings. It's not like he shot the President.
Joe said:
posted on February 24, 2006 1:40 PM — 65.35.221.95 — link — abuse?
I think it is rather sad that someone would actually go to the trouble of totally insulting a fine student like Myron Rolle because he chose some "rival" school for his education. Frankly, this whole "our academics" are better than yours is ridiculous. You should be ashamed tmape01 but more than likely you aren't, and that is quite telling of your overall character.
As to Orson Swindle stating that he can't comment on the statement "You see it is all about integrity and honesty, and Bowden is and always will be the king of such things."Stating it is too surreal???
Maybe you should ask Derrick Brooks, Warrick Dunn,
Corey Simon, Andre Wadsworth, Charlie Ward, Chris Weinke, Chris Rix, Brad Johnson etc.. If they believe such a statement is surreal?Or how about Chuck Amato, Joe Paterno, or Mark Richt if they don't believe Bowden represents the highest ethical standards of honesty and integrity?
Perhaps since you obviously hold a different opinion you would care to share your counterpoint?
Seminoles 28 said:
posted on March 13, 2006 1:55 AM — 152.163.100.196 — link — abuse?
Florida State has always been targeted with the media or the NCAA as in this matter because it is such a high profile program. Fairness and equality between the Seminoles and there opponents I can justify being of the highest importance when playing on the field, but to be judged and magnified of the most petty little things has just been way too rediculus. And yes there are super high standards set for the sporting programs at Florida State because we, the fans, know that we should be a winning school. But that shouldn't bring forth unecessary criticism and attention from those who want to see the Noles' fail. Thanks.
Garnet and Gold for life.
Joe said:
posted on May 4, 2006 2:59 PM — 65.35.218.18 — link — abuse?
When UM allowed Academic Fraud twice by Andre Johnson, ignored Nate Websters Charge conviction and adjudication, and then gave a $150,000.00 Schollie to 11 times previously arrested monitoring anklet wearing Willie Williams who had just violated his Felony probation for robbery, the UM administration sent a very strong message.
"Same old same old"To me based on the above, the school is just as corrupt as during the Erickson era when players were paid to play, boosters provided condos on the beach, there was rampant steroid use, and numerous time they ignored failed drug tests. Miami made it's reputation and it ain't pretty.
Recently with the firing of many of the previously retained coaches and raising some academic standards for recruits it appears maybe (fingers crossed) Miami might be changing. Lets hope so!!
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delawarenole said:
posted on February 11, 2006 2:22 PM — 168.230.130.244 — link — abuse?Funny Urban Meyer is saying some thing like that considering he is the king of negative recruiting and rumor has it he was at the Spiller house on the night before NSD which is a major violation.