FSU coach Bobby Bowden is still making the rounds on his spring booster tour, stopping in Pinellas County today. Here is an interesting note from Tribune colleague Lee Diekemper from Bowden’s brief press conference this morning:

TARPON SPRINGS—Speaking to a few reporters after finishing a round of golf this morning at he Crescent Oaks Country Club in Tarpon Springs, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden doesn’t seem ready to ban his players from having guns like the University of Miami did last year.

FSU receiver Preston Parker was formerly charged earlier this week by the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s office for carrying a concealed firearm which is a felony. Per FSU athletics code of conduct, he cannot participate in games until the matter is resolved, or if the charges are reduced to a misdemeanor.

When asked about the situation, Bowden said, “I hate to say this, but if you are in certain neighborhoods, you better have a gun. You have to protect yourself and your family. I really hate to say that, but it’s the way things have gotten.”

Bowden seemed reluctant to have an outright ban on guns for his players at home, sensing it would be hypocritical of him.

“I’ve got one, too.”

He also noted the offseason is the time coaches are concerned about players having potential brushes with the law.

“This is the time of the year you worry when players go home and get together with their buddies,” Bowden said.