Updating what will likely be the story of the day in college football, Florida starting wide receiver Chris Rainey was released on his own recognizance following a court appearance on an aggravated stalking charge.
Rainey was arrested shortly after midnight ET Tuesday morning following an incident with his on-again, off-again girlfriend. The junior receiver allegedly sent a text message to the woman that read “time to die”, and also seemed to threaten her after police were called.
Alachua County Judge Denise R. Ferrero ordered Rainey to have no contact with the woman.
The alleged victim appeared in court as well, and indicated that she was not afraid of Rainey and her intention was not to have him arrested. Instead, she’s concerned over the media coverage the arrest has garnered.
“People all over the country have been calling my cell phone,” the woman said. “I’m not afraid of him. I’m more afraid of all the repercussions.”
Of course, that calls into question why a call was placed to 911 in the first place, but that’s something that will presumably be answered as this case winds its way through the legal system.
As of this posting, the university has yet to publicly address Rainey’s legal situation, and attempts to reach school officials for comment have gone unanswered.
UPDATED 12:54 p.m. ET: According to Florida offensive coordinator Steve Addazio, “Chris Rainey is not a part of our team right now.” That would seem to indicate that Rainey has at least been suspended indefinitely, but there’s still been no official word other than Addazio’s on the situation.