This has not been the best of weeks for members of Florida’s 2010 recruiting class.
From a tongue-lashing of the entire class courtesy of Mike Pouncey to a pair of college rookies throwing a temporary hissy fit and missing a portion of one practice, Gator freshmen have not been portrayed in the greatest of lights of late.
Unfortunately, said light is not getting any more positive in the short term based on the latest, albeit dated, news.
According to both the Miami Herald and Gainesville Sun, potential starter at safety Matt Elam and wide receiver Solomon Patton were arrested on (gasp!) alcohol-related charges over the summer.
Elam was charged with a first-degree misdemeanor after being arrested for allegedly possessing a can of carbonated malt liquor in the parking lot of a bank on NW 1st Street in Gainesville, according to the arresting officer. Elam was seen holding a 23.5 ounce can of Four Loko, according to the officer.
Elam pleaded no contest on July 21 and was ordered to pay a fine. The case is still open, according to Alachua County records, because Elam attempted to pay the fine with a personal check. The $121 personal check -- subject field “open container ticket” -- was returned to Elam’s residence in Riviera Beach along with a letter from Alachua County requesting the fine be paid in cash or by money order. Elam has until Oct. 27 to pay the fine, according to records. ...
Patton was arrested at Plasma Lounge in downtown Gainesville and charged with a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly possessing a drink containing vodka. According to the arresting officer, Patton attempted to “pass the cup off” upon sight of a law enforcement officer. Patton received deferred prosecution on Aug. 18.
Elam, a candidate for significant playing time this year, will not be suspended for the opener according to UF assistant Chuck Heater, while the status of Patton, a candidate for a redshirt, is not known.
