FSU lineman reinstated after felony charges reduced

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - Florida State coach Bobby Bowden reinstated offensive lineman Bobby Meeks on Thursday after a county court dropped felony charges stemming from a scuffle outside a nightclub earlier this month.<br> <br> The 6-foot-4, 290-pound guard was charged with two felony counts of battery on a law enforcement officer and a third felony charge for resisting arrest with violence during a confrontation outside Chubby&#39;s nightclub in the early hours of July 11.<br> <br> Those were reduced to misdemeanor charges Thursday, and Meeks received a year&#39;s probation and 30 days with the Sheriff&#39;s Department workcamp. He also was ordered to pay court costs, write a letter of apology to the police officers involved and was prohibited from returning to the nightclub.<br> <br> ``The incident as reported in the media is out of character for him,&#39;&#39; Bowden said. ``He does not drink and he has never been in trouble.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> The player&#39;s uncle, Albert Meeks Jr., also was charged with battery in the fight with officers.<br> <br> A senior from Aldine, Texas, Meeks started nine games last season. He missed two games because of a shoulder injury.