It’s been a weird week, to say the least. First, quarterback Treon Harris sparked Florida to a 10-9 win versus Tennessee in Knoxville. On Monday, a bombshell was dropped that rocked the Gator Nation: Harris was being investigated for sexual battery. Friday, Harris’s attorney Huntley Johnson broke the news to the Orlando Sentinel that the complaint has been officially dropped:
"“The young lady who claimed Treon Harris sexually battered her has withdrawn her complaint,” said Gainesville’s Huntley Johnson, who represents Harris. “”I am pleased for Treon Harris and his family. The ball is in the university’s court.”"
The University of Florida confirmed the news with a statement of its own:
"The student who accused Treon Harris of sexual battery has withdrawn her criminal complaint.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."
Whether or not Harris will play in the LSU game isn’t known yet, but the University Athletic Association will release more information on his football status later on in the day. It’s unlikely he’ll play if only because he hasn’t practiced all week. Harris is a true freshman who made his way to Gainesville in July from Miami. He played his high school football at powerhouse Booker T. Washington.
This is obviously great news for Treon Harris and UF, but there are still a lot of unknowns. One thing we do know for sure is Jeff Driskel will be starting Saturday night in The Swamp.
UPDATE 4:00 pm 10/10/14: Treon Harris took to Instagram to thank his followers (h/t Zach Abolverdi):
#Gators QB Treon Harris just posted this on Instagram pic.twitter.com/KHT3wugjZ6
— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) October 10, 2014
UPDATE 4:10 pm 10/10/14: According to his lawyer, Huntley Johnson, Harris has been reinstated by UF (h/t Jeff Barlis):
Treon Harris' attorneys: Harris has been informed he "is no longer banned from campus and are permitted to resume UF activities."
— Jeff Barlis ☯ (@JeffBarlis) October 10, 2014
Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean Harris will be playing Saturday night. It’s good news and it’s a start, but he likely won’t see the field. He’s still missed practice all week and has only been in Gainesville for three months. Even though the University of Florida suspension has been lifted, the UAA one is still imposed. He needs to be un-suspended by the UAA to be eligible tomorrow.
UPDATE 4:50 pm 10/10/14: Head coach Will Muschamp released a statement through the Gators’ football twitter account (h/t @GatorZoneFB):
From Coach Muschamp: "We have been notified that the University and legal process is complete." 1/3
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) October 10, 2014
"Treon has been reinstated to the team, but he will not play Saturday. This has been a learning experience for everyone involved." 2/3
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) October 10, 2014
"Treon has been honest with me throughout the process and is looking forward to rejoining his teammates." 3/3
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) October 10, 2014
Good news and bad news for Gator fans. Harris can participate in team activities, but won’t be playing Saturday night. That leaves Skyler Mornhinweg and Will Grier as the backup QBs. If something happens to Driskel, look for Mornhinweg to step in. Florida surely doesn’t want to burn Grier’s redshirt now, plus he’s missed a lot of practice time with back spasms.