FSU's Parker takes plea deal, suspended two games

By BRANDON MELLOR

Florida State junior wide receiver Preston Parker pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of carrying a concealed weapon and marijuana possession in a Palm Beach County courtroom Monday morning.

Parker

Parker's acceptance of the misdemeanors means that he will be allowed to return to the FSU football program immediately - albeit on academic probation.

Parker was charged with a felony last month for carrying a concealed firearm after a loaded .45-caliber handgun was discovered in his vehicle during a traffic stop. The Delray Beach native must now serve a one-year misdemeanor probation that will take place in Tallahassee as well as serve 50 hours of community service and pay the court costs.

"Preston made a very serious mistake and there are consequences when one of our boys gets in trouble," FSU coach Bobby Bowden said. "Preston will have the opportunity to continue as a student and as an athlete at Florida State but he will have to earn that right."

In addition to the court-mandated requirements that the 6-foot, 190-pounder must also meet a handful of requirements with the FSU athletic department in order to remain on the Seminole football team.

Parker must undergo biweekly drug testing, move into a supervised dormitory, take on FSU-mandated community service and attend mandatory study-hall sessions. He must also serve a two-game suspension for the Seminoles when the 2008 college football season begins in September.

Through his attorney, Jason Weiss, Parker released a statement regarding the matter.

"First off, I want to apologize to my teammates, fans and most of all my family for placing them in the middle of this kind of predicament," the statement began. "I fully blame myself for being in this situation, because it could've easily been avoided. I also want you to know that whatever my consequences are, I will complete them and complete them in a respectful manner. One message I want the young people to realize is that making a sacrifice for yourself to pursue your dream is not a joke.

"This situation was a big eye-opener for me and made me realize how your life could be easily ruined over nonsense and lack of focus. This is a learning experience for me and still has a learning effect on me today as we speak. One thing I can say is that I will get through this dark road, not trying to rush through it, but taking one step at a time.

"This is my plan, and not just my plan for today or tomorrow, but forever. This is because there will be tons of choices I will have to make in the future in order to become a successful person, player and teammate. Finger pointing isn't a route I will take because I fully blame myself for being in the type of situation that I am dealing with right now.

"To all the kids who look up to me and see me as a role model in their lives and football careers, I speak from my heart when I tell you that I apologize for making a bad decision and also letting you down.

"I pray and hope that you won't look at me as a bad person. I am not a thug, I am not a gangster, and most definitely I am not a thief. I don't know what the future holds, but I promise whatever it is I will make my teammates coaches, fans, family and above all, my son, proud of me on and off the field.

"I am truly sorry and I apologize to everyone."