Florida LB Morrison gets deferred prosecution

By Adam Silverstein
June 28, 2013

Florida Gators sophomore linebacker Antonio Morrison received deferred prosecution on Friday after being arrested nearly two weeks ago for first-degree misdemeanor simple battery after allegedly striking a bouncer.

According to the Gainesville Police Department, Morrison and a group of men visited Kava Lounge & Bar on June 16 and inquired about the cost of entering the establishment. The bouncer at the front door told him the price and explained that he would not be receiving a discount, information that caused Morrison to become upset.

“Don’t you know who I am? I am a UF football player! I am Antonio!” he responded, according to the official police report.

After again being told he would have to pay full price, Morrison allegedly threw a “closed fist” that connected “on top of the left side of [the victim’s] head” before leaving.

Morrison, 19, was read his Miranda rights at his on-campus dorm. He admitted to getting into a “scuffle” with the victim at the establishment but contented that it was not a “big deal.” He further admitted to being intoxicated at the time of the incident and claimed he did not remember the details of what transpired.

According to Florida Today’s David Jones, who first reported the agreement, Morrison’s deferred prosecution includes mandatory attendance at both a drug and alcohol abuse program and anger management program. He must also join the University Police Department for two separate eight-hour ride-alongs and pay $100 to the State Attorney’s Office. Finally, he has the option to pay $150 as a donation to CDS Family and Behavioral Health Services or perform 12 hours of community service.

“The specifics of the agreement were accepted by the alleged victim,” Jones reported.

A four-star rated prospect prior to his first season at Florida in 2012, Morrison appeared in all 13 games for the Gators as a true freshman, starting three contests. The early enrollee out of Bolingbrook, IL, finished with 34 tackles (2.0 for loss), a sack and a forced fumble, receiving SEC All-Freshman Team honors at the season’s end.

At the time of Morrison’s arrest, Florida announced that “Coach [Will] Muschamp is aware of the situation and handling the matter.” The program has not addressed the incident since though it will likely be a topic of conversation at the SEC Media Days. The Gators will make an appearance on July 16.

Morrison will have six months to complete the terms of his deferred prosecution. He was represented by Gainesville, FL, attorney Huntley Johnson.

5 Comments

  1. Nathaniel says:

    I fear we’ll look back on this incident in the future and ask why more wasn’t done. I hope the punishment is sufficient and I hope he actually learns something.

    • Michael Jones says:

      I think what was done was sufficient. It’s the same treatment that any other 1st offender would receive under Florida law–no better, no worse, and that’s fair.

      All this young man has to do is turn on the TV and see what happens when machismo, hot-headedness, and a sense of being above the law come together. It’s a dangerous cocktail that can get people killed and destroy the lives of the ones left behind.

      Hopefully this young man learns from this, never looks back, never lets it happen again, and goes on to have a great life–in or out of football.

  2. VO2Max says:

    A bonafide opportunity for Morrison to clear himself of this. First of all young man, attack the requirements of your DP and satisfy them immediately, not later. Display impeccable personal behavior, learn, grow. A follow up hearing in January could actually be a happy day for you. It will give you an opportunity to show the court that you are behaving like the mature citizen that we know you are. It’s a win-win situation. You can’t talk about winning without talking about Gator Football.

    Gator Nation really wants to see you out there in the fall. And there will be plenti-o-winning along the way. There is no reason for you not to be the next great Gator linebacker. So please, get this road bump behind you so we can see you out there headhunting on Saturdays.

  3. joe says:

    Huntley Has Earned A Spot In The Ring Of honor

  4. MAR says:

    I think the punishment fits, but Muschamp should not take this lightly. Muschamp should punish him more than the norm to show the team that you don’t go around town acting like everyone owes you something. If anything, the players owe the general public and the fans their full respect and gratitude, for without them, the opportunity to make millions playing this sport is not there. Muschamp should go against the grain…

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