From: jpm@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu
Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.college
Subject: UF defensive end likely gone
Date: 25 Jul 92 21:11:44 GMT

Taken from the Gainesville Sun (reprinted without permission)

     MICKELL APPEARS DONE AT UF         (written by Bill King)

     Because he's violated team and athletic department rules that extend
beyond insufficient classroom attendance, defensive end Darren Mickell's
playing days at the University of Florida are likely over, UF coach Steve 
Spurrier said Friday.
     Spurrier would not discuss the violations in detail, citing student
confidentiality rules.  But sources said one of UF's concerns about Mickell was
that he may have received a loan from and agent - a violation of NCAA rules.
     The sources said Mickell recently purchased or leased a new Jeep Cherokee,
a vehicle priced at more thae $15,000, and told UF coaches he received the
money for it from his grandmother.  Because Mickell is from a low-income
background, the UF staff questioned the validity of that explanation.
     Neither UF athletic director Jeremy Foley nor Spurrier would discuss
concerns that Mickell had obtained an agent.
     Mickell, a senior who is projected by many as an eventual first-round pick
in a National Football League draft, was suspended indefinitely three weeks ago
for undisclosed reasons.  UF athletic department sources confirmed then that
the suspension stemmed in part from poor classroom attendance, but would not
say whether that was the lone reason for the action.
     On Friday, Spurrier confirmed that it wasn't.
     "Let's just say it's more than him missing classes," Spurrier said.  "He's
had trouble abiding by our rules and policies.  Now, he's put himself in a
position that it's very unlikely that he will be with us.  It's highly unlikely
that he will again play for the Gators."
     Spurrier said Mickell is exploring the possibility of entering a
supplemental National Football League draft in August or transferring to
another school - likely one with an NAIA-affiliated athletic program that would
not force him to to sit out a season as the NCAA does.  Earlier this month,
Mickell said he would consider both options if his suspension carried through
more than three games.
     Mickell did not return phone calls from Sun reporters on Friday.
     Mickell's time at UF has been peppered with transgressions that have cost
him playing time.  He did not meet the NCAA's minimum academic standards to
participate as a freshman, thus costing himself a year of eligibility.  As a
sophomore, he was the Gators' premier reserve at defensive end, recovering
three fumbles, intercepting a pass and scoring two touchdowns.  It appeared
that Mickell would step into a starting job as last season openend, but that
progression was put on hold when he was suspended for UF's first five games for
missing classes.
     When Mickell was allowed to return to the field, he rapidly emerged as one
of the Gators' more dominant defenders, sharing recognition as the Southeastern
Conference Defensive Player of the Week after forcing three quarterback hurries
and batting away three passes against Florida State in UF's regular season
finale.
     Without Mickell, the Gators will be perilously thin at defensive end
entering the season.  Kevin Carter, a shphomore, and Harvey Thomas, a senior
who is recovering from surgery, are penciled in as the starters entering the
season.  A pair of seniors with little expreience, Bill Gunter and Lex Smith,
join true freshman Cameron Davis as the likely reserves.
     "Sure it (hurts)," Spurrier said.  "But it's not something you can worry
about.  This gives Kevin Carter a chance to be a starter with Harvey Thomas. 
We can't worry about who's not going to be there." 


	Jeff Mejia         University of Florida   jpm@icbr.ifas.ufl.edu
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