THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
HOLLYWOOD - Former UF and current Miami Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder crashed his pickup truck into a tree alongside Florida's Turnpike on Wednesday and left the scene of the early morning collision, authorities said.
Crowder, 24, said he lost control of his 2007 Dodge truck on an exit ramp at about 5:30 a.m., and then found a ride to his Davie home, according to a statement from the Florida Highway Patrol.
Crowder was cited for careless driving and leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage - a second-degree misdemeanor. It was not immediately known if he had an attorney.
"He's fine. We have reached out to him. I think he's fine," Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said on a video posted on the team's Web site.
Crowder had 78 tackles this season but was sidelined with a knee injury. He underwent a right knee arthroscopy on Dec. 18 and was placed on injured reserve Dec. 22.
Authorities retrieved Crowder's belongings, including a firearm, from the truck and held the vehicle for the former Gators standout, according to the statement.
Crowder was one of the Dolphins' third-round draft pick in 2005 and is considered one of the bright young stars on the struggling squad's roster.
He made headlines in October when he told the Palm Beach Post he had just learned that Londoners speak English before the Dolphins' matchup with the New York Giants in London.
"I know (Washington Redskins linebacker) London Fletcher," Crowder told the Post. "We did a football camp together, so I know him. That's the closest thing I know to London."
Former UF and current Miami Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder, seen here at the Gators' 2005 Pro Day, lost control of his truck and struck a tree on the Florida Turnpike Wednesday morning. Crowder fled the scene and was cited with reckless driving. (Alligator File Photo)
