Seminoles tackle charged with felony in clothing case

[Thinking Skins]

I wish I had this guys negotiating skills.

Seminoles tackle charged with felony in clothing case

By BRENT KALLESTAD Associated Press Writer

January 8, 2003

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- Florida State junior defensive tackle Darnell Dockett was charged by police Wednesday with felony grand theft for his alleged role in receiving unauthorized discounts on merchandise at a mall last month.

Dockett, 21, the school's all-time leader in tackles for losses, turned himself in at the Leon County Jail and was released on $1,000 bail. He left without speaking to reporters.

The investigator's report said Dockett and two store clerks conspired on a 90-percent discount, and he paid them money for their assistance. Co-defendants named in the affidavit are Kambe Roberson, 19, and Taisha "Sky" Bailey, 21.

The affidavit said Dockett paid $107 for merchandise valued at $1,009.78.

In an interview Dec. 20 with police, Dockett said he knew paying a $200 fee to the clerks in exchange for the discount was wrong.

The sporting goods store, named Sports Fan-Attic, is co-owned by former Florida State star Warrick Dunn, who now plays for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL. The store's owners initially declined to press charges.

University spokesman Rob Wilson said Dockett would not be able to participate in any athletic department activities until the case is resolved.

The case is reminiscent of a 1999 illegal discount shopping spree involving Peter Warrick and Laveranues Coles at a Dillard's department store. Coles, now with the New York Jets, was kicked off the team. Warrick, now with Cincinnati, was suspended for two games.

Although Dockett's professional ambitions have been hindered by a series of nagging injuries that limited him this season, he could choose to enter the NFL draft. Classmate Anquan Boldin, the Seminoles leading receiver, said Wednesday he was turning pro.

The 6-4, 280-pound Dockett was a dominating force as a redshirt freshman in 2000, and earned first-team Atlantic Coast Conference recognition in 2001, but suffered through a difficult 2002 season.

He was suspended for the Sugar Bowl after the Dec. 17 incident at a local sporting goods store, which came only days after coach Bobby Bowden suspended starting quarterback Chris Rix from the game for failing to take a final exam.

Additionally, sophomore quarterback Adrian McPherson was dismissed from the team in November after being arrested on charges of stealing a blank check and receiving nearly $3,500 after it was cashed.

Dockett, who is from Burtonsville, Md., was caught in another controversy after Florida State's 2001 game at Florida.

Former Florida coach Steve Spurrier accused Dockett of dirty play in the 2001 game at Florida. Spurrier said Dockett intentionally twisted the knee of Gator running back Earnest Graham and threatened to stomp on the throwing hand of quarterback Rex Grossman.

Spurrier was chastised by Florida State athletic director David Hart Jr. for making the accusations, adding fuel to a feud that had really heated up a few years earlier when Spurrier accused Florida State players of late hits on his Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel.

Dockett, in an interview this summer, said he'd love to play in the NFL for Spurrier, who now coaches his favorite team, the Washington Redskins.

[Skeletor The Invincible]

I'd love to pick up Dockett, but I don't think Spurrier will enjoy making that pick.

I might hate F$U, but he's a good player. And hey, he loves the Redskins.

[Montilar]

The sporting goods store, named Sports Fan-Attic, is co-owned by former Florida State star Warrick Dunn, who now plays for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL. The store's owners initially declined to press charges.

Pathetic. Way to send a message.

Of course dunn's payback was "Dockett, you take a dive when you face me.. "