Trial by fire

McPherson gambling trial potentially dicey for FSU coaches

Former Florida State quarterback Adrian McPherson is scheduled to go on trial Wednesday in Tallahassee, Fla., on charges of misdemeanor gambling, and if the verdict goes against him, he's all but finished as a college athlete. The NCAA won’t let anybody touch him -- especially, if as least one witness is likely to say, McPherson bet on the Seminoles.

You’d think a misdemeanor charge wouldn’t be a big deal, especially since McPherson’s Summer Courthouse Tour also includes two felony trials -- one for the alleged theft of a blank check from a Tallahassee auto accessories shop, the other for allegedly passing worthless checks at supermarkets.

But it’s this little gambling snag that holds the key to McPherson’s sporting future and potential fortune, which is why attorney Grady Irvin is playing it like a federal case.

Prosecutors are bracing for the theatrical and bizarre, saying they’ve never experienced anything like this for a misdemeanor. You can’t help but wonder if McPherson and his attorney will rat out the ‘Noles, using the wide media spotlight to reveal some improper practices.

Adrian McPherson Timeline Nov. 25, 2002 McPherson booted from FSU amid blank-check investigation Nov. 26, 2002 Fish: Bowden bucks trend as laissez-faire disciplinarian Nov. 27, 2002 McPherson turns himself in to Tallahassee police Nov. 27, 2002 Fish: Shop owner says McPherson sought damage control too late Dec. 19, 2002 McPherson at center of gambling probe into Florida State Dec. 20, 2002 McPherson to ask NCAA to investigate Florida State Jan. 14, 2003 Troubled Ex-FSU QB enrolls at Murray State Jan. 24, 2003 Fish: This quarterback's tale just gets curiouser and curiouser Jan. 30, 2003 Two more charges filed against McPherson Feb. 5, 2003 Moving on, again: McPherson drops out of D-II Murray State Feb. 13, 2003 Fish: Even more bad check charges filed against ex-FSU quarterback March 4, 2003 McPherson charged with betting on Florida State games March 4, 2003 Fish: McPherson flat-out denies gambling on Seminole games March 5, 2003 Attorney: McPherson will plead innocent to gambling charges March 6, 2003 Prosecutors: McPherson could be charged with additional crimes April 4, 2003 Fish: How much did FSU know about McPherson's gambling? April 10, 2003 Attorney: McPherson was Seminoles' 'scapegoat' June 3, 2003 Fish: Trial could be dicey for FSU coaches June 4, 2003 Trial opens, friend testifies McPherson bet on FSU June 4, 2003 Fish: McPherson's ex-friends could have final word June 5, 2003 Bowden's testimony prompts failed request for mistrial June 5, 2003 Fish: Bowden testimony highlights second day of trial June 6, 2003 Judge declares mistrial in McPherson gambling case

This is the kind of case that rarely gets in front of a judge. The sides usually cut a deal, and the end result is, say, a $450 fine and some community service.

But even if he wanted to, McPherson couldn’t work a deal. If he admitted to gambling, the NCAA would bench him forever. So his attorney is pulling out all the stops, successfully arguing for a juror trial and subpoenaing an unheard-of 20 defense witnesses.

Long-time head coach Bobby Bowden is likely to be called to the stand Thursday or Friday. The same for Florida State athletic director Dave Hart, associate AD for football Andy Urbanic and compliance director Bob Minnix -- who have collectively been portrayed by a local-state police probe as slow to act on gambling allegations in the athletic department.

No word yet on whether Chief Osceloa and Renegade will strut their stuff, but most everyone in the courtroom -- except McPherson and some childhood friends, perhaps -- figures to be decked out in garnet and gold. Arguing the case against McPherson will be assistant state attorney Georgia Cappleman, the daughter of former FSU quarterback Bill Cappleman.

McPherson's two Bradenton, Fla., cronies, Melvin Capers and Otis Livingston, project as the state's star witnesses. The Tallahassee Community College students have tied McPherson to gambling, telling authorities he frequently visited their off-campus house and used their Internet gambling account to place bets on college and pro sports.

Several people close to the investigation have told SI.com there is nothing directly linking McPherson to the computer wagering, saying his friends’ accounts were purposely used so his name would not show up. So prosecutors are expected to build a case around the testimony of witnesses and a variety of records, perhaps including records of calls made from McPherson’s phone to SBG Global in Costa Rica.

The three Bradenton friends opened Internet gambling accounts last September, Capers and Livingston told police.

“The thing is, you can’t really prove he was gambling [on the computer]," Capers told SI.com. “You can only go by what I say, cause the accounts [are] in my name, Otis’ name and my cousin’s name. So his name is not on the account."

Capers, 5-feet-5, well-built and nicknamed “Smurf," detailed how McPherson allegedly bet $1,000 on Miami to cover a 17-point first-half spread in a game last October against West Virginia, a week after FSU lost to the 'Canes. His friend lost the bet, Capers said.

Livingston said McPherson would bet as many as seven or eight college football games a weekend, adding, “He bet sometimes a grand."

It’ll be worth watching to see if Irvin is comfortable putting McPherson on the stand to deny the gambling. Otherwise, his defense will be reduced to cross-examination.

Some observers think if McPherson has dirt on FSU, such as improper inducements from boosters, it might be better for Irvin to wait till the check-theft trial, since R&R Truck and Auto Accessories is financed by prominent FSU boosters.

Likewise, the feeling is if McPherson finds himself going down, he won’t go alone. “He has to know a pretty good deal," said a former FSU football manager. “He’d know about other people involved. And he’s the kind of guy who’ll make sure he pulls everybody he can down with him. The main people he’d really want to pull down would be the [football] administration."

The McPherson trials could make for an exciting summer, don’t you think?

Mike Fish is a senior writer for SI.com.

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