Florida State’s resurgence took a blow when coach Jimbo Fisher announced he had kicked off starting cornerback Greg Reid from the team. Reid was a three-year starter whose career was tainted by off-the-field troubles. His most recent case – he was arrested in mid-July and charged with driving with a suspended license – was enough for Fisher to let go a valuable part of his football team.
Last month, Reid told police he had no knowledge of the marijuana found in his car.
Reid was also arrested last fall on perjury charges that were dropped, and he was suspended last year for an undisclosed violation of team rules. So, he has a past of offenses that finally pushed Fisher to the limit.
Last season, Reid played in 11 games and started nine. He made 32 tackles and had two interceptions, along with 563 return yards.
He moved into second place in school history with 89 career returns and 1,117 return yards. He was named one of three most valuable players on special teams last year at Florida State’s annual banquet.
The dismissal comes as something of a surprise given Reid’s role and tenure, but Fisher and other veterans have made it clear that this year’s hopes for a conference championship will not be derailed by off-field distractions.
That didn’t stop one member of the Seminoles from weighing in on Facebook to convey his concern.
“(Reid is a) HUGEEEE PIECE THAT WOULD BE MISSED!” defensive tackle Jacobbi McDaniel wrote. “(He’s) like another brother to me but these last couple weeks what I have seen. He is a changed man n I promise ya that. Seen it with my own eyes.”
That is the same message Reid offered this spring.
“I am motivated,” Reid said at the conclusion of spring practice. “It is my last time around here at Florida State and I think it is a little bit emotional, you know, it is hard to take days off and that is what I have on my shoulders. I wish it wasn’t so late, you know, waiting on my senior year to do this, but it is my senior year and I am ready for whatever.”
