Florida Football Players Making Offseason News - In the Police Reports

Thursday's Frat Boy News Pause for the Cause

University of Florida (compiled by The Orlando Sentinel)

No fewer than seven Florida football players have dealt with legal issues since the Jan. 8 national-title victory and erased some of the good vibes from last season.

Monday night's arrest of tailback/punt returner Brandon James and basketball player Brandon Powell on charges of purchasing -- a felony -- and possessing 8 grams of marijuana continued the football program's problems with the law.

The issues have disturbed Urban Meyer, who said poor player conduct isn't an epidemic but must improve. "It's a day-to-day operation," the coach said last month. "We've had a few guys who've made some small mistakes, and a guy or two who've made some big ones."

One guy with a big mistake is guard Ronnie Wilson, who was charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor for an April incident involving a gun in a parking lot near campus. Wilson was suspended indefinitely, and his status with the team remains uncertain.

James and safety Dorian Munroe each incurred felony charges in the past three weeks. Munroe was charged with theft in late May when he removed a University Police Department boot from his car and put it in his trunk.

Cornerback Jacques Rickerson (possession of marijuana), linebacker Dustin Doe (affray) and safety John Curtis (probation violation) have faced misdemeanor charges since the season ended. The public-brawling charges against Doe were dismissed, and Rickerson's case was resolved without legal punishment. Safety Jamar Hornsby -- a cousin of James and Rickerson, who are half-brothers -- had a sworn complaint filed against him in April after he allegedly tossed a man onto the hood of a woman's car in a local parking lot.

After James' arrest and indefinite suspension, UF Athletic Director Jeremy Foley released a statement expressing his displeasure.

"We are aware of the situation and understand the severity of its nature," the statement read. "This is not something we take lightly."