By SCOTT CARTER
The Tampa Tribune

TALLAHASSEE - Former Florida State football players A.J. Nicholson and Fred Rouse, who had their share of trouble while playing for the Seminoles, are now facing felony burglary and grand theft charges for stealing nearly approximately $1,700 of electronic equipment from former teammate Lorenzo Booker.

Rouse was arrested on May 28 after Tallahassee Police officials questioned him about a break-in at Booker’s residence on either May 20 or May 21. An arrest warrant was issued for Nicholson, also charged with criminal mischief, on Wednesday afternoon. Nicholson was selected in the fifth round by Cincinnati in last month’s NFL draft.

Booker, FSU’s leading returning rusher next season, could not be reached on his home phone Wednesday. He later declined comment on being burglarized by his former teammates through the FSU sports information office.

“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,” athletic department spokesman Rob Wilson said in a statement. “In addition, Lorenzo Booker has asked me to release that he does not wish to discuss the matter publicly.”

According to a police report, Booker said that Nicholson and his brother, Derek Nicholson, stopped by the house on the evening of May 20 just as Booker’s roommates, Gentry Nelson and Joe Knox, were heading out of town.

When Booker, who was already out of town when his roommates left, returned late on May 21, he discovered that the residence had been broken into.

“Booker suspected Nicholson right away because of his past history,” Tallahassee Police spokesman John Newland said. “They’ve known each for a while.”

Nicholson, a former roommate of Booker’s at the same residence, was evicted for not paying rent according to an incident report filed by investigators.

One of the pieces of evidence discovered by Knox was a Nike football glove with No. 1 printed on it - Rouse’s uniform and glove number in his only season with the Seminoles - which was found underneath a broken TV on the floor in Knox’s room, which was the point of entry.

The discovery of the glove helped lead investigators to Rouse, who confessed to his involvement over the weekend. Rouse, who was kicked off the team in January by Coach Bobby Bowden for “conduct detrimental to the team,” was also charged with possession of a controlled substance on an unrelated offense. He has since been released on bond.

Since FSU cut ties with Rouse, UTEP coach Mike Price has shown the most interest in the former Parade All-American. LSU, California and Division I-AA Tennessee State also reportedly contacted Rouse.

In his only season with the Seminoles, Rouse had six receptions for 114 yards and one touchdown. He started in the Orange Bowl against Penn State in his final game. Rouse was no stranger to trouble during the season. He was suspended by Bowden for one game after arguing with coaches during FSU’s 26-21 loss to Virginia.

As for Nicholson, the latest charges are the latest in a string of brushes with the law. Nicholson, 21, was accused of sexual assault in Miami before the Orange Bowl and sent home. He has not been charged. However, he pleaded no contest to a DUI arrest in Tallahassee and was also involved in a confrontation with Tallahassee police that led to dropped charges of resisting arrest.

Scott Carter can be reached at Send Us Your Comments

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