FSU says it could lose at least $2.5 million on lost WVU game

By Ben KerchevalFeb 20, 2012, 12:01 PM EST

When West Virginia cancelled its 2012 non-conference game against Florida State in anticipation of departing the Big East for the Big 12, FSU athletic director, Randy Spetman, told the Orlando Sentinel the move could result in litigation against WVU because the withdrawal was so close to the upcoming season.

“We have the buyout [$500,000], there’s that, and then there will be whatever liquidated damages,” Spetman said. “If we aren’t able to find another team, that’s what we’re going to have to look at. You’re talking about a lot of money.”

“A lot of money” could be anywhhere from an estimated $2.5 million to $3.5 million.

Florida State associate athletic director Elliott Finebloom told ESPN’s Sports Business blogger Kristi Dosh that FSU will probably lose around $2.5 million in ticket sales alone, not including season ticket sales, from the cancelled WVU game. Finebloom added it could cost the school another $1 million to bring an opponent into Tallahassee; FSU apparently isn’t willing to sacrifice a seventh home game in order to fill out their schedule.

“Seven home games is something every business in town counts on, from hotels to restaurants,” Finebloom said. “People think it’s about the athletic department wanting to make more money, but we have a responsibility to area businesses who count on seven home games.”

The Sentinel reported earlier this month that FSU had reached out to schools like Oklahoma, with whom FSU had just finished a home-and-home series, and Texas A&M to fill the slot left vacant by WVU. OU has filled out its schedule and A&M opted for two 1-AA opponents in Sam Houston State and South Carolina State to complete its 2012 lineup. The Aggies will also get Arkansas at home this year before returning that game to Dallas in 2014.

As for FSU, some of you have clamored for a Boise State or Big East option since they have scheduling slots available. Boise has been rumored to be looking for a way to get in the Big East by this upcoming season. Still, that would leave one spot open on the schedule of some Big East teams.

One thing’s clear: WVU’s departure put plenty of schools in an unfavorable scheduling bind.

Utah State player upgraded to fair condition after collapse

Associated PressMar 25, 2023, 1:50 AM EDT

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Utah State redshirt freshman wide receiver Josh Davis is in fair condition on Friday, one day after collapsing at spring football practice following sudden cardiac arrest, the university announced.

Davis, initially was listed in critical condition, was breathing on his own. He is in the intensive-care unit at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah.

Davis’ parents arrived in Utah on Thursday evening.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Davis, who is from Carlsbad, California, collapsed at Merlin Olsen Field and was immediately treated by the training staff, the university said. He was taken to Logan Regional Hospital.

The university said Davis was stabilized in the Logan hospital before being moved to Ogden.

Alabama suspends freshman defensive back after drug arrest

Associated PressMar 20, 2023, 10:32 PM EDT

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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama freshman defensive back Tony Mitchell has been suspended from the team following his arrest on a drug charge.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said Monday after the first practice of spring that Mitchell was suspended from the team “and all team activities until we gather more information about the situation and what his legal circumstance is.”

The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office arrested Mitchell and another man, Christophere Lewis, last week on a charge of possession of marijuana with the intent to sell or deliver, according to a post on the department’s Facebook page. Lewis also was charged with carrying a concealed gun without a permit.

“Everybody’s got an opportunity to make choices and decisions,” Saban said. “There’s no such thing as being in the wrong place at the wrong time. You’ve gotta be responsible for who you’re with, who you’re around and what you do, who you associate yourself with and the situations that you put yourself in. It is what it is, but there is cause and effect when you make choices and decisions that put you in bad situations.”

Mitchell, who is from Alabaster, Alabama, was a five-star prospect rated the 34th-best player and No. 3 safety in the 247Composite rankings.

Mitchell was driving the vehicle during a traffic stop. After deputies smelled marijuana, Mitchell picked up a baggie of marijuana from the passenger floorboard, according to the department’s Facebook post.

Sheriff’s deputies found “an additional significant amount of marijuana, a set of scales, a loaded handgun between the passenger seat and center console, and a large amount of cash,” according to the department’s Facebook post.