After reportedly misusing school funds, seven players, including star receiver Antonio Callaway, have been suspended from the Gators’ 2017 season opener against the University of Michigan.
The Florida Gators announced Saturday the players — freshmen Kadeem Telfort and Ventrell Miller; defensive linemen Richerd Desir-Jones, Keivonnis Davis, Jordan Smith; outside linebacker James Houston and wide receiver Antonio Callaway — will not participate in the Sept. 2 game at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
At a Monday press conference, head coach Jim McElwain went before the podium with stern but optimistic words.
“Obviously I am very disappointed,” McElwain said. “At the same time, quick and swift action was taken.”
McElwain stressed just how severe the punishment of suspension is in his eyes.
“There is a real void here,” he said. “They’ve gotta understand that there’s consequences.”
The suspension comes nearly a year and a half after a woman accused Callaway of sexual assault in December 2015, launching a Title IX investigation. In August 2016, that investigation was lifted, according to Alligator archives.
Some have said the players used three student debit cards, meant exclusively for athlete-related items, to buy $1,500 worth of unsanctioned items sometime in Summer B, according to the Gators blog “In All Kinds of Weather.”
The University Athletic Association has not yet released further details of the misuse of funds.
“What we said in the press conference is really all we had to say,” said Will Pantages, a UAA spokesperson.
Pantages said there is no police report related to the incident, and Gainesville Police and University Police said they have no record of the fraud.
Alachua County Sheriff’s Office could not immediately be reached for comment on the incident.
Despite his frank words, McElwain was optimistic Monday. He said his team is pushing past adversity and is fired up for the game. He also told reporters he won’t abandon his players, including Callaway, despite their grave mistakes.
“I’ll never turn my back on anybody, that’s not what it’s all about,” McElwain said.
