Carlos Dunalp cleared to play in 2010 Sugar Bowl

Florida Gators head coach Urban Meyer, athletic director Jeremy Foley and University of Florida president Bernie Machen unanimously decided Friday to clear junior defensive end Carlos Dunlap to play in the 2010 Sugar Bowl less than three weeks after he was arrested for driving under the influence. Meyer, who made the announcement of Dunlap’s reinstatement after Friday’s practice, had suspended him from the team indefinitely the day after his arrest on Dec. 1.

“[Dunlap is] going to play if he takes care [of some things],” Meyer said. “[I talked] with the administration, with the president and also the athletic director. What was involved was it was his first mistake. It was a real serious one, but he paid a serious price as well. It was a real serious mistake. But since he’s been here he’s been a good student, a good person and represented us well. It devastated him. There were a lot of discussions. No previous track record. It’s case-by-case. If there was another issue, it would be an issue, and there hasn’t been. That’s basically what the administration let me know. They actually let me know.”

Discuss: Do you agree with UF’s decision to clear Dunlap to return this season?