14 DAY TRIAL // Florida linebacker Antonio Morrison has been arrested for harassing a police animal on Sunday morning, July 21.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, he was booked into Gainesville's Alachua County Jail at 4:15 a.m. upon barking at a police dog.
The Gators sophomore linebacker was previously arrested for assaulting a bouncer a little over a month ago, on June 16.
His Gainesville arrest led to a deferral, but the new charges brought against him could invalidate that, USA Today writes.
He was arrested for standing near a squad car and barking a trained dog in the police K-9 unit. The dog, named “Bear,” barked back, and so did the player.
The 19-year-old was detained on second-degree misdemeanor charges and resisting arrest after he tried to fight officers as they approached and handcuffed him.
Coach Will Muschamp has stated on Twitter that the player has been suspended for two games.
“I’m extremely disappointed in Antonio Morrison’s decision making.
“He has been suspended from the team and will miss at least two games to begin the season,” Muschamp posted.
He has said that the suspension might apply to a larger number of games as this is Morrison's second chance.
“I think my track record speaks for itself. [...] We have consequences if a guy makes a poor decision. When a young man makes a poor decision there’s a litany of things that I make them (do to) work themselves back,” Muschamp comments.
State attorney Bill Cervone notes that the charges might not hold up in court. If they do, malicious intent has to be proven in order for the previous charge to be revoked.
“Based on my initial review ... I am concerned about the legality of the arrest.
“My office will look into this as expeditiously as possible. [...] If there is a crime involved then the previous deferral is subject to revocation. If not then that will not likely happen unless there is some other material breech,” he says.