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Multiple Florida Gators football stars are facing possible disciplinary action for an incident that took place on campus in May. According to a university police department incident report, six Gator players were allegedly involved in an incident that took place on May 28 at Keys Residential Complex, including wide receiver Kadarius Toney, quarterback Emory Jones and tight end C’yontai Lewis, according to FirstCoastNews.
What Happened?
The confrontation involved multiple players and Devante’ Zachary, a known Gainesville gambler. A witness called 911 after seeing 10 people arguing and believing they were carrying guns, according to the report by FirstCoastNews. Lewis and Zachary apparently had a friendship when Florida was winning, but turned sour once the team began to struggle.
According to the report, “one of the groups dressed in black were visibly seen on the recording carrying a variety of weapons. One male in gray shorts and no shirt who had his hair up was seen carrying a long rifle weapon. Another subject is seen carrying an object that resembles a frying pan. A black male wearing a black short sleeve shirt and black shorts is seen running into the camera footage carrying a weapon. The male enters Flavet Field raises the weapon to his shoulder, in a firing manner, he pauses for a second before he and starts walking towards the other individuals. While walking, he again shoulders the weapon pointing it towards the area of the other group.”
One group began to run towards the parking lot and Keys Complex, while the other group fled the scene in their vehicles, according to the report.
Toney and defensive tackle Kyree Campbell were sent to the student conduct and conflict resolution department for holding what appeared to be assault rifles. The police report later reveals that the rifles were airsoft rifles, or BB guns. Wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland, Jones, wide receiver Rick Wells and tight-end Kemore Gamble were sent to the conflict resolution department for lying to the university police, according to the UFPD report.
University police inspected the airsoft rifles. According to the report, “The one rifle made to look like an AR15, which Toney was carrying, had the orange tip mostly painted black making it look even more like a real rifle.” None of the players above are charged with a crime, while Zachary has a no tresspass on university property for three years.
Florida’s Response
In response to the investigation, the University of Florida released the following statement:
“Police completed their investigation and none of these students will be facing criminal charges from this event two months ago. The police report notes that it was referred to the Dean of Students Office in accordance with their processes. Due to laws protecting student privacy, we are unable to comment further.”
Head football coach Dan Mullen released this statement regarding the incident:
“We were made aware of the incident when it occurred and immediately began following campus protocol. This has been an opportunity for us to educate our players about the dangers and negative perceptions that can occur when conflict arises, and how important honesty and good decision making is.”
As of this time, the Dean of Students Office has not commented on the situation.
