Now we know a little more of the rest of the story. Sort of.
Last week Florida head coach Jim McElwain confirmed that wide receiver Antonio Callaway and quarterback Treon Harris have not been with the Gators since mid-January for unspecified reasons, even as rumors have been flying around the duo’s non-participation. The program also confirmed that, whatever the issue, it will keep both out of the whole of spring practice, which has already kicked off.
Friday, attorney Huntley Johnson, who is not representing Callaway it should be noted, sent out a press release defending his non-client. According to the release, Callaway was suspended because he violated the school’s student conduct code, a violation that “supposedly occurred in early December 2015.”
Below is Johnson’s statement, in its entirety:On January 27, 2016 the University of Florida suspended Antonio Callaway for a violation of the Student Conduct Code.
The suspension was due to an incident which supposedly occurred in early December 2015.
Mr. Callaway is on interim suspension from the University of Florida pending resolution of the accusation.
At this time the University of Florida has not presented to Mr. Callaway or Undersigned Counsel any evidence relating to Mr. Callaway’s suspension.
Be that as it may, the law firm of Johnson & Osteryoung has conducted its own investigation as to the allegation that is the basis for the suspension.
There is no good reason why this investigation has not been closed.
This allegation has no merit.
There has been no response from the university or the football program regarding the statement from Johnson, who is well-known in and around Gainesville as the go-to attorney for Gator student-athletes who run into legal issues.
Getting Callaway back for the season will be of great importance for the Gators offense.
Last season in his first year with the Gators, Calloway led the team in receiving yards (678) and tie for the team lead in receiving touchdowns (four). His 19.4 yards per catch led the squad, and 35 receptions were good for third.
At the end of the regular season, he was named to the All-SEC Freshman team.