The boss of the University of Florida football program that’s had a rough last couple of days headlines-wise and image-wise has spoken regarding the latter of a pair of off-field incidents.
A report emerged earlier this week that six Gators football players -- wide receivers Kadarius Toney (pictured), Tyrie Cleveland and Rick Wells as well as defensive tackle Kyree Campbell, tight end Kemore Gamble and quarterback Emory Jones -- are facing university discipline following an on-campus confrontation in late May with a Gainesville-area gambler named Devante’ “Tay Bang” Zachery that involved airsoft guns, a frying pan, a baseball bat and rocks. After the report went viral Thursday, head coach Dan Mullen issued a statement addressing the development that essentially stated nothing of substance.
At this point, it’s unclear what if any punishment any of the players will be facing from either the university or the football program.
This was actually the second incident involving airsoft/BB guns for two of the players.
In mid-July of 2016, Cleveland and Wells were arrested and originally charged with criminal mischief for damaging property and shooting a missile inside an occupied dwelling; both of those charges were felonies. The two allegedly shot BB guns at and around a dorm on the UF campus, causing more than $1,000 worth of damage.
Those charges were ultimately reduced to criminal mischief, and Bonnie & Clod were suspended for the 2016 opener.
Additionally, Wells was one of several Florida players suspended for the entire 2017 season for the misuse of scholarship money at a bookstore, with some nine players total caught up in making improper charges on student IDs and selling said items for cash. He was one of the four suspended players who returned to the team in late January.