Just two days after coming in off the bench to help lead the Gators to a thrilling 10-9 comeback win over the Tennessee Volunteers, the University of Florida has announced the indefinite suspension of freshman quarterback Treon Harris.
The Gators canceled their normal Monday press conference but issued a press release Monday stating that University of Florida student athlete Treon Harris has been accused of sexually assaulting a female student.
The news comes just days before a crucial home game against SEC West foe LSU and just one day after word broke that fellow freshman quarterback Will Grier was cleared to practice.
Harris was poised to get his first collegiate start this week, but that distinction will almost certainly go back to much-maligned starter Jeff Driskel.
Harris is 4 of 6 passing for 165 yards and 2 touchdowns in limited action this season. He provided a huge spark for the offense at Tennessee, and Gator Nation was looking forward to his first possible start at home this Saturday. It appears all of that has changed in less than 48 hours.
Harris’ Twitter account (@t5_harris) has been deleted.
We will have more details as they become available.
UPDATE #1, 1:15 p.m. EST:
Here is the full statement from the University of Florida:
“University of Florida student athlete Treon Harris is accused of sexually assaulting a female student early Sunday morning in a residence hall on the UF campus.
The University of Florida Police Department is investigating the incident, and UFPD has brought in the Gainesville Police Department to assist with collection and analysis of forensic evidence.
The investigation is ongoing and we do not have an update regarding any charges at this time.
The University of Florida and the University Athletic Association are cooperating fully.
Due to legal and privacy requirement, there are limitations as to what the university can say publicly about a pending matter such as this. In these types of serious situations, Student Affairs initiates the Student Conduct Code process. Often, a student may be suspended on an interim basis, which means he or she is banned from campus and all campus activities, pending the outcome of the conduct process.
UAA has suspended Treon Harris from all team activities.
‘We have no tolerance for sexual assault on our campus’ UF President Bernie Machen said. ‘The university is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for every member of the UF community. We must strive to protect all of our students from sexual harassment and assault, and do everything in our power to promote a safe learning environment.’
UF continues to provide a wide variety of support services and resources. The university continually enhance its campus efforts to address issues of sexual assault and harassment.
As this process unfolds and is resolved, UF is committed to addressing this serious matter with integrity, fairness, and compassion.”
UPDATE #2, 1:40 p.m. EST:
The Gainesville Police Department has released the following statement on their involvement with the investigation into the Treon Harris allegations:
“The Gainesville Police Department’s Forensic Crime Unit has been asked by the University of Florida Police Department to assist in collecting possible items of forensic evidence on UF campus related to the recently-announced investigation of Treon Harris.
The Gainesville Police Department will not have an active role in the filing of any charges in this case as it falls in the jurisdiction of the University of Florida Police Department.
Forensic evidence collection, testing, and analysis takes at least several weeks to be completed. Due to the open and active investigation, GPD will be unable to comment on any forensic evidence collected.
The only role of the Gainesville Police Department at this time is with the Forensic Crime Unit.”
UPDATE #3, 1:50 p.m. EST:
Treon Harris’ attorney, Huntley Johnson, said the quarterback has not been arrested and he doesn’t expect him to be.
UPDATE #4, 2:00 p.m. EST:
A UFPD police log shows a sexual battery was reported at approximately 12:49 a.m. Monday. The incident is said to have taken place late Saturday night/early Sunday morning at the Springs Resident Complex, which is known as the “athletic” residence hall on campus.
GPD forensic crime unit outside Springs dorm #Gators#TreonHarrispic.twitter.com/oWD31Ch2s4
— Jonathan Czupryn (@jczupryn) October 6, 2014
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