FSU's Janikowski Charged

Sebastian Janikowski, the kicker for national champion Florida State, was charged Wednesday with one count of bribery after he allegedly offered a police officer $300 to release his roommate, state attorney Robin Freeman said.

The charge is a third-degree felony, and Janikowski, a native of Poland, could face deportation if convicted. If found guilty, he also faces up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Janikowski's lawyer, Steve Dobson, entered an innocent plea for the junior kicker, who came to Florida at age 15 to live with his father.

Dobson didn't return calls seeking comment.

The charges stem from a Jan. 24 incident at The Grove nightclub in Tallahassee, where according to police, Janikowski offered cash to an off-duty officer so his roommate would be released from custody. The roommate, Aaron Silverman, had been refused service at the club and was arrested for trespassing when he refused to leave.

Janikowski kicked 50 field goals the last two seasons and plans to work out for NFL scouts next month. He has been projected as high as a late first-round draft pick.

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