USF says Fisher didn’t violate policy

USF released a statement Friday stating that senior running back/ wide receiver Brian Fisher did not violate a university athletic policy requiring athletes who have been arrested to notify both the head coach and USF associate athletic director for compliance Steve Horton within 24 hours.

In the statement, the university said Fisher was not arrested but rather detained for a civil matter March 22 for owing almost $17,500 in delinquent child support payments. It was reported Fisher notified only USF coach Jim Leavitt following that incident.

However, when Fisher turned himself in to law enforcement officials March 28 on a warrant charging him with driving with a suspended/revoked license, USF said he complied with the athletic policy and notified both Horton and Leavitt within 24 hours.

Athletes who fail to comply with the policy following an arrest could receive at least a two-game suspension. The USF football team opens the 2004 season with consecutive home games against Pittsburgh and Tennessee Tech.

Fisher, last year’s offensive MVP, missed a week of spring drills immediately following his arrest but participated in the April 10 spring game at Raymond James Stadium. In that game, Fisher rushed for 95 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown in helping the Green team defeat the White team 10-6.