Warrick Could Be Back Soon

Florida State wide receiver Peter Warrick won't play Saturday against Wake Forest no matter what happens with theft charges he faces, Seminoles coach Bobby Bowden said Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Warrick is keeping his original lawyer, despite another attorney's statement in court papers that he was representing the player.

Warrick and former Florida State wide receiver Laveranues Coles were arrested Thursday and charged with grand theft. Police allege they paid $21.40 for $412.38 worth of clothes with the help of a department store clerk.

Warrick, a top Heisman Trophy candidate before the arrest, was suspended from the top-ranked Seminoles. Coles, who had other legal troubles in the past, was dismissed from the team.

The next step in the case is for prosecutors to file formal charges, deciding whether to maintain the preliminary felony charge or prosecute the case as a misdemeanor.

The distinction is important for Warrick because university rules don't allow him to play while he is facing felony charges. If he is charged with a misdemeanor, Bowden and other school officials make the decision whether he can return to the team.

If Warrick is charged with a misdemeanor, "I'll recommend he plays again," Bowden said on ESPN's "Up Close" Tuesday evening.

But even if prosecutors file reduced charges this week, "I'm still not going to let him play in the next ballgame," Bowden said.

Warrick will continue to be represented by his original lawyer, John Kenny.

Personal injury attorney Henry Hunter had filed papers in court Monday stating his intent to take over the case and represent both players. But Hunter and Kenny both said Tuesday that Kenny will stay on as Warrick's lawyer.

"I've been the attorney of record since Thursday and he's said all along he wanted me to be his representative," Kenny said.

Hunter said he will still represent Coles.

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