Warrick Arrested, Suspended

Peter Warrick went from Heisman hopeful to felony suspect Thursday when he and a Florida State teammate were charged with getting such a deep discount at a department store that authorities considered it a crime.

Warrick was indefinitely suspended and another wide receiver, Laveranues Coles, was kicked off the team after both were charged with grand theft.

Police accused them of paying only $21.40 for clothing worth $412.38 at a department store.

A store clerk, 19-year-old Rachel Myrtil, also is facing the same charge for underpricing the clothing by about $391.

Warrick, of Bradenton, Fla., has 36 catches for 508 yards and has scored four touchdowns for the top-ranked Seminoles.

Coles, of Jacksonville, had 12 catches for 179 yards and one touchdown.

Coach Bobby Bowden was stunned when he heard the news that the players were under investigation Monday and then again when they were arrested.

“It’s been tough. It’s like getting hit between the eyes,” Bowden said. “I was shocked when I found out what happened.”

Bowden said he threw Coles off the team because he already was on probation for past legal and academic problems, but Warrick was described by Athletic Director Dave Hart as a “good citizen.”

Bowden said Warrick’s only hope of returning may be to get the charge reduced to a misdemeanor because school rules prohibit an athlete charged with a felony with playing until the case is resolved. No. 1-ranked Florida State plays Miami on Saturday.

William J. Dockery, president of the Downtown Athletic Club in New York, which awards the Heisman, said Warrick remains eligible for the trophy unless he is convicted of a felony.

An off-duty police officer saw and taped two purchases, one right after another, on video surveillance equipment. Police said each player walked out carrying a bag of clothing but neither contained enough merchandise--$300--to make the alleged crime a felony.