Wednesday, December 19, 2007

An academic cheating scandal could leave Florida State without as many as 25 players when the Seminoles take on Kentucky in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 31.

"We have some players not traveling for one reason and some for another, including those who are ineligible for the bowl because of academic issues," Coach Bobby Bowden said in a statement released by the university yesterday.

Bowden put the number of players involved in the 25-player range. Many of the players also could be ruled ineligible for some games next season for their connection to the cheating scandal earlier this year.

Federal privacy laws prohibit the school from releasing names.

"We want to make sure that we have complete information, and that we have dotted all the i's and crossed all the t's," said Lee Hinkle, vice president of university relations. "It is premature to say anything at this point."

Bowden previously had not answered questions following the team's practices on the scandal that resulted in one full-time academic adviser, Brenda Monk, and a student tutor losing their jobs this summer.

The university reported its findings in a letter to the NCAA in September after a six-month investigation by the school revealed at least 23 athletes in various sports were implicated for cheating on tests.

At least two Florida State football players already have been penalized for their involvement. Defensive end Kevin McNeil missed the season and wide receiver Joslin Shaw missed the first four games.

"Kentucky would be a tough opponent when we are at full strength so clearly this will make things more difficult," Bowden said. "Our staff is in the process of determining what adjustments we must make for the game."

Bowden said he would not use any players who redshirted this season in the bowl game.

-- From News Services