Sophomore outfielder Harrison Bader has been suspended indefinitely from team activities due to a scooter accident early Sunday in which Gainesville Police is investigating whether alcohol was involved.
Bader crashed his scooter while driving southbound on Southwest 10th Street when he struck a curb and collided into a parked Ford F-150 in the 300 block, GPD spokesman Officer Ben Tobias wrote in an email.
An officer arrived at the scene and found the outfielder lying beside his scooter unresponsive, Tobias said.
Officers smelled a “strong odor of alcohol” coming from Bader, who was taken to Shands with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators are awaiting the results of a blood alcohol content test to determine whether to file charges, Tobias said.
Coach Kevin O’Sullivan announced the suspension in a statement on Tuesday.
As a freshman, Bader led Florida with a .312 batting average.
He started 57 games, including 35 in left field. He tied Justin Shafer for the team lead with 69 hits and finished second with 37 runs scored.
His absence now leaves a void in the middle of Florida’s lineup and its starting outfield. The Gators now only have three other players listed as outfielders.
No. 23 Florida opens its season against Maryland on Feb. 14 at McKethan Stadium.
[A version of this story ran on page 1 on 2/5/2014 under the headline "UF baseball player suspended"]
