Florida State appeals NCAA forfeits ruling

03/18/09

Florida State will appeal part of an NCAA punishment that would strip the school of victories in 10 sports, including as many as 14 in football. The university president called the penalty "excessive and inappropriate."Football coach Bobby Bowden has 382 career wins - one fewer than Penn State's Joe Paterno, the major college leader. Have 14 victories subtracted from Bowden's official total could ruin his chances of retiring as the NCAA leader."The coaches had no involvement," Florida State president T.K. Wetherell said Tuesday. "To hold them responsible in this case is simply wrong."The 79-year-old Bowden, who left town Tuesday morning for a speaking engagement, has not commented on the sanctions.Wetherell said the university hired former administrative law judge Bill Williams of Tallahassee to represent Florida State in its appeal. Wetherell sent a letter Tuesday to NCAA president Myles Brand to advise him of the school's decision.