Seminole woes continue; LB Marcus Ball leaves

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Sophomore Marcus Ball, projected to be a starter at outside linebacker in 2008, was released from his scholarship Monday at Florida State. Ball, 20, was among some three dozen Seminoles who did not accompany the team to the Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tenn., last December for either injury, discipline or involvement in the academic cheating scandal that sidelined two dozen players. The school has not identified the players involved in the cheating scandal. Despite missing four games with injury, Ball had 24 tackles, a sack and a recovered fumble. With Geno Hayes leaving school year early for the NFL draft and junior Dekoda Watson out until the fourth game, middle linebacker Derek Nicholson is the lone starter returning at linebacker. Ball's departure clears the way for freshman Nigel Bradham and sophomore Kendall Smith to win more playing time. Toddrick Verdell is also expected to be back and compete for playing time. Star receiver Preston Parker also faces a felony gun charge in Palm Beach County and is ineligible to compete until that case is resolved. (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APTV-05-05-08 1520EDT