The tumultuous week of Treon Harris might finally be coming to an end. In what has been likely the most up and down dramatic week of his entire life, Harris started coming off the bench and helping his team achieve a come from behind win against rival Tennessee only to find himself on the receiving end of sexual assault allegations just hours later.
The female student who accused Treon Harris of sexual assault has withdrawn her complaint four days later. This comes just hours after the strong press release from Hundley Johnson, Harris’ lawyer that we covered here.
Treon Harris reinstated; will not play vs LSU
In an official statement the University announced on Friday afternoon that the accuser has withdrawn her complaint against the freshmen Quarterback and his school suspension had been lifted:
“The student who accused Treon Harris of sexual battery has withdrawn her criminal complaint. This means she is not pursuing criminal charges against him at this time but maintains the right to do so in the future. The police report will be released when it is available. The UAA will have more information on his football status later in the day. The university always will take swift and decisive action when we have concerns about the safety of our students.”
Will Muschamp would later address the media to clarify his football status:
“We have been notified that the University and legal process is complete,’’ Muschamp said. “Treon has been reinstated to the team, but he will not play Saturday. This has been a learning experience for everyone involved. Treon has been honest with me throughout the process and is looking forward to rejoining his teammates.”
Thus Harris’ nightmare of a week is now seemingly over. He should dress tomorrow night but if you take Muschamp at his word, he will not play. It makes sense due to not practicing all week, but he has practiced all fall and is familiar with the offense so it’s not entirely out of the question that he would be CAPABLE of playing.
Harris was fully cooperative with the investigation from the beginning, allowing UFPD to search his dorm, collect evidence, he turned over his cell phone, and likely provided DNA for comparison.
It’s unfortunate that Harris, the accuser, and the University have had to have this negative light shined upon them this week but hopefully now everyone can move on. Hopefully Harris will be able to focus back in on his classes as well as football. He will need to focus in and give his best effort to start next week against Missouri.
Harris posted this on his Instagram shortly after the announcement:
This is from #Gators QB Treon Harris’ Instagram just a short while ago. pic.twitter.com/ec84SFPLei
— Landon Watnick (@LandonWatnick) October 10, 2014
As for this week, the job is entirely reliant upon Jeff Driskel bouncing back from his recent struggles and playing well. Driskel is 20 of 51 for 152 yards and one touchdown and five interceptions over the last two games. He needs to minimize his mistakes, not allow a sluggish start or dropped passes to rattle his confidence, and he needs to just get back to playing football.
Freshmen Will Grier returned to practice this week from the back spasms that have kept him out the previous two week. However, the original plan was to redshirt Grier if possible and with the return of Harris, he doesn’t figure to see the field.
Skylar Mornhinweg or even Harris would be the emergency QB but the game-plan is going to be centered about Jeff Driskel. The junior QB has a lot to prove and he can go a long way in silencing many of his critics if he keeps the Gators alive and battling for the SEC East for another week.
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