Family still seeking justice 12 years after FSU football player dies

Devaughn Darling died following morning football practice

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – It’s been 12 years and counting since the family of a Florida State football player settled with the university following his death after a practice. The family has been in limbo for more than a decade, waiting on lawmakers to approve their claims bill.

The claims bills have been filed in both the House and Senate but have yet to be scheduled for a committee

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Fifteen years ago, Devaughn Darling had big dreams. He was a football player at FSU, playing alongside his twin brother, Devard Darling. But on Feb. 26, 2001, Devaughn Darling died following a brutal morning practice.

“Davaughn is buried in a Florida State uniform down in Houston, Texas, right now, because we love this place so much,” Devard Darling said.

Former NFL player and Seminole Corey Simon said he prayed with Devard Darling the day his twin brother passed away.

The Darling family eventually settled with FSU in 2004 for $2 million, but the school was only allowed to pay $200,000 to the family. The rest has to be paid by the Legislature. That has yet to happen.

Sen. Arthenia Joyner has sponsored the family’s claims bill for seven years.

“The wait for the deliverance of justice for this family is now in its 15th year, almost as long as Devaughn walked the streets of this Earth,” Joyner said.

The family’s push comes with some irony Tuesday, as it was FSU day at the Capitol.

Devard Darling said he hopes it’s a sign of good things to come.

"Everything happens for a reason, and we believe we’re doing the right thing," Devar Darling said. "We think justice will be served."

The Senate’s president said he’s open to hearing claims bills, but it starts with the bill passing through the required committees.