FSU and Bowden kick QB McPherson off team

[Kevin]

McPherson surrenders to police

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Associated Press


TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida State quarterback Adrian McPherson was arrested Wednesday on charges of stealing a blank check and receiving nearly $3,500 after it was cashed.

McPherson, kicked off the team Monday by coach Bobby Bowden, surrendered to police and was released about 45 minutes later after posting bail.

"Mr. McPherson has come here, bonded out and will have his day in court,'' said Daryl Parks, one of McPherson's lawyers.

McPherson started the last four games for Florida State, going 3-1. The 23rd-ranked Seminoles host No. 15 Florida on Saturday.

The sophomore was charged with misdemeanor theft for stealing a blank check from R&R Truck Accessories in Tallahassee and felony grand theft for receiving stolen goods after the check was cashed.

A McPherson friend, Melvin Capers Jr., was arrested this week and charged with grand theft and passing a forged check. He was released on bail Monday.

Police said Capers cashed a $3,500 check and gave the money to McPherson, who then gave his friend $30 "to get something to eat.''

Scott Hunt, spokesman for the Tallahassee Police Department, described Capers as "very cooperative'' and told police "everything that we needed to know.''

Hunt said police worried Wednesday that McPherson might fail to show up since his St. Petersburg attorney, Grady Irvin Jr., kept delaying his arrival time.

"Since this first broke, the attorney was in contact with us and we said "present your client, let's talk to him,''' said Hunt. "And everytime we turn on the television we see him holding a press conference and answering questions but he wasn't answering questions from us.''

Bowden, who has been known to be lenient on his players, has drawn some criticism for his decision, but he said it was ultimately a matter of trust between him and McPherson.


"The thing I've always told my players is don't lie to me because I don't lie to you,'' Bowden said. "Once you lie to someone you lose their trust. So you just got to hope that all your boys are honest with you and I've tried to always be honest with them.


"When that's broken it comes down to 'Who are you gonna believe?'''

On Tuesday, McPherson admitted involvement in the theft of the check but said he did not cash it or receive money from it. He signed a statement Wednesday claiming he did not receive any money and tried to persuade Capers to return the money if he had cashed the check.

Also Tuesday, McPherson blasted Florida State coaches for failing to gather all the facts before suspending him.

"I think they should have found out everything that went on before they kicked me off the team,'' McPherson said, adding that he never would play for the Seminoles again.

"How could I go on the field and give my all for someone who turned their back on me?'' he asked.

McPherson's attorney said the player wanted to dispel rumors that he bet on football games and owed gambling debts.

Florida State athletic director David Hart issued a statement Wednesday saying he questioned McPherson on gambling issues in response to rumors of gambling or point shaving.

"To that end, I asked questions that needed to be asked,'' Hart said. "There were no accusations, simply questions.''