Warchant.com - Two former players charged with felonies

May 31, 2006

Warchant.com

Former Florida State football players Fred Rouse and A.J. Nicholson were recently charged by Tallahassee Police with stealing electronic equipment worth approximately $1,700 from the home of current Seminole running back Lorenzo Booker. The incident is believed to have taken place back on May 20th.

Rouse, a former high school All-American wide receiver, was dismissed from the team by head coach Bobby Bowden back in January for violating unspecified team rules. He was arrested and charged over the weekend for felony burglary, grand theft and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription (ecstasy) and was released on bond. Nothing has been officially announced, but Rouse was expected to transfer to UTEP during the summer.

Nicholson, who finished his college eligibility after last season, was drafted in the fifth round by the Cincinnati Bengals last April. He was also faces a felony charge of burglary, grand theft and criminal mischief. A warrant is currently out for his arrest.

According to reports, a wide receivers glove with Rouse's former number "1" stitched on it was left at the crime scene. There was also blood left at the scene which is believed to have come from one or both of the suspects.

After his arrest, Rouse told police that Nicholson entered the home with him and and carried out portable stereos, a DVD player and headphones.

At this point it is uncertain how the charges will impact Rouse's ability to transfer to another Division 1A program or what disciplinary action the Bengals may take against Nicholson.

Florida State Assistant Athletic Director and Sports Information Director Rob Wilson issued the following statement about the arrests:

"A.J. Nicholson was dismissed from the team in December and Fred Rouse was dismissed in January, therefore there will be no comment from FSU officials. In addition, Lorenzo Booker has asked me to release that he does not wish to discuss the matter publicly."

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