Seminoles dismiss former star Parker from team

Spring practice begins soon in college football, and 2009 futures odds won’t be too far behind on WagerWeb.com. Already the Florida State Seminoles have gotten some bad news regarding next season: receiver Preston Parker’s football career at FSU is over after his second arrest in less than a year.

Coach Bobby Bowden announced the junior receiver was dismissed from the team Monday in a one-sentence statement released by the school. The 21-year-old Parker was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after Tallahassee police found him asleep in his running car early Saturday.

The police report said Parker admitted he had been drinking and smoking marijuana. It was the third time Parker has been arrested since 2006.

Parker had a hugely disappointing 2008 season, with 40 catches for 372 yards and two touchdowns after missing the first two games because of suspension for an arrest on weapons and drug chargers. He also sat out the Champs Sports Bowl due to injury.

But Parker was FSU’s most essential offensive player in 2007, leading the Seminoles with 1,513 all-purpose yards, topping the team with 62 receptions and finishing second in receiving yards (791), rushing attempts (52) and rushing yards (270). He was named the team’s offensive MVP.

Parker already had announced he would return to FSU for his senior season.

“I didn’t really do enough to come out,” he said in December about possibly entering the NFL Draft.

The deadline to declare for the draft already has passed, but Parker could have a chance at being picked in the league’s supplemental draft. Parker also played some running back and returned punts and kickoffs for the Seminoles.

Parker’s dismissal does open a scholarship as it comes two days before national signing day. Combined with Greg Carr’s departure after four god seasons at Florida State, means the Seminoles will be relying heavily on underclassmen at wide receiver next season.

The Seminoles will return Taiwan Easterling and Bert Reed - third and fourth, respectively, in receiving yards last season - as well as senior Richard Goodman and freshman Jarmon Fortson. They also have verbal commitments from three wide receivers.

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