TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Florida State will be without starting quarterback Chris Rix when it faces Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.
The school declared Rix ineligible Tuesday for failing to take a final exam. The sophomore will accompany the team to New Orleans, but will not play against the Bulldogs.
Late Tuesday, Rix issued an apology for what happened in a prepared statement through the school's Sports Information Office.
"I know we, as players, are aware of the rule about not missing an exam," Rix said. "Due to a personal family issue, which was weighing heavily on me, I slept through an early final exam. I apologize to my teammates, coaches and the fans as this is a difficult price to pay. I'm in good academic standing and am on track to graduate on time. I simply slept through the exam. I talked to the university about my circumstances, but the decision had already been made."
Rix did not elaborate on the personal matter to which he referred. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, student confidentiality laws prevent school officials from releasing further details.
It is another blow for the Seminoles (9-4), whose season has been filled with turmoil. Fellow sophomore Adrian McPherson, who led the Seminoles to a 3-1 record, was dismissed from the team on Nov. 25 for his involvement in a theft of a check. The following week, McPherson was arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges.
Coach Bobby Bowden has named sophomore Fabian Walker as FSU's starter against Georgia. He is the only other quarterback on the team's roster with experience. Walker played in three games this season, but completed just five of eight passes for 74 yards.
"Naturally, I'm disappointed, but I know a lot about Chris that people do not know," Coach Bobby Bowden told the Tallahassee Democrat, which also reported that sources indicated Rix also missed a second exam but was only given permission to make up one of them. "I know some things and how frustrating things have been for him. But still, he didn't do what he was supposed to have done."
"I decided (the situation) was serious enough he would be ineligible for the bowl game," said FSU Provost Larry Abele, who made the final decision. "It came down to assessing the issue and making a decision based on our stated and published policies and past practices."
In high school, Walker set Georgia state records for career passing yards (8,231 yards) and touchdowns (81).
Rix was benched after a loss to Notre Dame on Oct. 26, but regained his starting job after McPherson was kicked off the team. He threw two touchdown passes and ran for 83 yards in Florida State's 31-14 victory over Florida on Nov. 30.
