Tallahassee, FL (Best E Casino) - Florida State star receiver Preston Parker pleaded guilty Monday to a misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed weapon and has been suspended for the first two games of the 2008 season.
Parker also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession and has agreed to serve 12 months of probation, which will include substance abuse evaluation within 30 days, periodic drug tests at his own expense, 50 hours of community service, $243 in court costs and one day in jail that was satisfied with time served.
The junior was also forced to forfeit his firearm but still has the right to carry a firearm in the future.
"Preston made a very serious mistake and there are consequences when one of our boys gets in trouble," head 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."
Parker was arrested on April 21 and charged with a felony for allegedly carrying a concealed .45-caliber handgun and a misdemeanor for possession of marijuana of less than 20 grams.
"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," Parker said in a statement released by his attorney. "I fully blame myself for being in this situation, because it could've easily been avoided.
"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."
Parker, who led the Seminoles last year with 62 receptions and five touchdowns, will sit out games against Western Carolina on September 6 and Chattanooga on September 13.
"Matters of this magnitude that involve one of our student-athletes are not taken lightly," Florida State athletic director Randy Spetman said. "Once all of the facts were gathered regarding Preston's situation, considerable time was spent in determining what course of action would need to take place and the administration fully supports coach Bowden's decision."
