They closed their season with a 24-14 win over Oklahoma to win the BCS Championship. The driver, Oscar Hernandez, told police the baggie was his and he was cited and received deferred prosecution. Here's USA TODAY's latest projection, Georgia defense to be shorthanded in showdown with Gators, per report, WATCH: Dan Mullen talks defense, backup kicker Chris Howard, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. Tennessee was able to get points on the board on the following drive. Everything Urban Meyer touches turns to gold. Tim Tebow was the star, a full-fledged phenomenon as beloved for his strong faith and motivating personality as for his on-field dominance. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Joe Haden. The SEC and the rest of College Football need to realize that winning is not always everything, if the players you have cant represent their university proudly. Will Hill. Other arrests involved a starting defensive end, Carlos Dunlap, accused of driving under the influence before the conference championship game; a starting cornerback, Janoris Jenkins, charged with resisting arrest; and a key running back, Chris Rainey, accused of sending a text message to a former girlfriend that read, in part, "time to die." Hernandez, arguably the most troubled of the bunch, saw his NFL career end after he became the center of a 2013 murder investigation. According to @delatorre, the 08 Florida Gators documentary is almost here. I am the same age as these players, and I know that best way to find yourself is probably not in jail, through drugs, battery, or theft. For much of Meyer's tenure at Florida, Tebow was the focus, his personal fan base as large as any ever in college sports. ", He added, "No perception of a pattern here for us.". The Gators ran up the score in a 49-10 win, and they took every opportunity to make it hurt for . Notre Dame Outcome: The felony charge was dropped due to a minuscule amount (8 grams); James served probation and community service stemming from the misdemeanor charge. Meyer just recently got his first crack at an NFL gig, taking over as the Head Coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Outcome: Newton received pre-trial deferment common for a first-time offender and is serving community service and probation time. He said he was proud of those teams. The list does not mention the 'character guys' Meyer relied on to win games such as Percy Harvin (Marijuana, unsportsmanlike conduct suspensions) or Jarvis Moss (Team suspension). Marve is no longer with the team, having transferred to Purdue. Even in the final minute, with the outcome already decided, Meyer called all of his remaining timeouts, just to prolong Georgias suffering a little while longer. Meyer was forced to answer questions about the University of Florida football program he coached from 2005-10 after The New York Timesreported that a staggering 41 of the 121 players listed on Florida's 2008 national championship rosterhad either been arrested while at Florida or after leaving there. Your email address will not be published. ), My guess is the next time an Ohio State player is arrested, these Florida figures will be trotted out. There were also the Pouncey twins, Janoris Jenkins, Riley Cooper, and even Cam Newton. And coach Urban Meyer and the Gators showed no mercy. His presence was so overwhelming that he overshadowed his teammates and their arrest records. Jacob is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and is based in Charleston, SC. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. The following year, Florida hadnt forgotten. It has all left some wondering just what the culture at Florida was at the time. After scoring a touchdown in the first quarter to break a 0-0 tie, the Bulldogs bench cleared to celebrate the score in the end zone, drawing an excessive celebration penalty. Florida State CARL JOHNSON Charge: Misdemeanor violation of a sexual restraining order in February 2009 after getting on the same campus bus as an ex-girlfriend. That hardly makes them unique, as recent Publix. Tobias said Meyer visited the police department once to tell the officers not to give his players preferential treatment, which, Tobias added, was already the directive from police officials. They are 18-to-22 years old and, like most young people, they are trying to find their way. The abundance of arrests from the 2008 title team and the seemingly constant enabling of Hernandez begs the question: Was Florida out of control? According to Florida Gators insider Nick de la Torre, the 08 team will be featured in a Netflix documentary. Join our linker program. pic.twitter.com/qQvn3udmFL. Cam Newton. The charges will disappear assuming he completes his obligations. 2: Felony domestic violence by strangulation and felony obstruction of justice after a November altercation with a girlfriend. Team punishment: No suspension for Munroe. Team punishment: To be determined. Eyewitnesses told police that Grace threw a punch. Team punishments: Rickerson was suspended for the 2007 season opener for the marijuana charge, then kicked off the team the morning of the domestic violence incident. Stats. Urban Meyer & Tim Tebow will be featured. Meyer has been a winner no matter where he coaches: With all of Urban's success being known, its time to reveal a harsh reality that the media doesn't want you to know. They get to the campus, and they feel like they can get away with stuff. Winner, 2014 Alfred I. duPont Columbia University Award; finalist, 2012 IRE broadcast award; winner, 2011 Gannett Foundation Award for Innovation in Watchdog Journalism; Emmy nominated, 2009. JON DEMPS Charge: Misdemeanor driving with a suspended license in September 2006. The list of the players on the 2008 roster includes Newton, who was charged with stealing a laptop from another Florida student. A search of the vehicle uncovered a baggie of marijuana under Jenkins seat. Do you have a blog? 2008. There were many other infamous names on that 2008 Gator team Offensive linemen Maurkice and Mike Pouncey, the Pouncey brothers, who wore "Free Hernandez" hats in support of their felon friend, starting a movement that brought a lot of the wrong attention. The Gators competed in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). That number is 31, as in, at least 31 arrests of Florida's football players from 2005 to 2010. Jenkins eventually left for North Alabama after Meyer's successor, Will Muschamp, dismissed him from the team following marijuana arrests. Other arrests involved a starting defensive end, Carlos Dunlap, accused of driving under the influence before the conference championship game; a starting cornerback, Janoris Jenkins, charged with resisting arrest; and a substitute running back, Chris Rainey, accused of sending a text message to a former girlfriend that read, in part, time to die. (Rainey was arrested in January in Gainesville on battery charges and released by the Pittsburgh Steelers.). 1: Aggravated assault, battery and use of display of a concealed weapon during commission of a felony in April 2007 for shooting a semiautomatic rifle after a dispute with another man. With his team up big late in the game, Chris Rainey was back to return a punt. The 2008 roster included Newton, who was charged with stealing a laptop from another Florida student. Outcome: Charges were reduced to misdemeanors and Hornsby took a plea dealprobation and community service. But their success on the field was mirrored by drama away from it. Does the Hernandez story and the laundry list of legal incidents tarnish Meyer's legacy at Florida? Florida Gators Main Navigation Menu. Those charged included safety Jamar Hornsby, who was accused of ringing up 70 fraudulent charges in 2008 on a credit card that belonged to a woman who died in a motorcycle crash. This was on the heels of reports of several incidents involving former Gators tight end Aaron Hernandez during his time in Gainesville, including a bar fight and a 2007 shooting. Team punishment: Suspended for one game, the 2007 opener against Western Kentucky. Despite the off-field antics that plagued the roster, the 2008 Gators were still one of the more dominant college teams in recent memory. 2: Misdemeanor violation of a city ordinance and disorderly conduct in October 2005 for his involvement in a fight. Spectrum reporter, 9-year-old girl among 3 victims fatally shot in Orlando, Bucs players give team low marks for travel, treatment of families, How IndyCar is making this the greenest Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg yet, Former USF star Lindsey Lamar sets fast pace in CFL. Individual reports about what Outside the Lines found at each school studied: Auburn Meyer's wife, Shelley, was right when she took to Twitter to defend her husband. Although we have been very successful with most, we are by no means perfect. So 41 of 121. In six seasons, they won 65 games, two SEC championships and two national titles. Twenty-five Florida athletes had multiple run-ins with police, often without facing charges or any public airing of what they did. Percy Harvin. Outcome: Charges were dropped. Janoris Jenkins. Maurkice & Mike Pouncey. TONY JOINER Charge: Felony theft in October 2007 for breaking into a car impound and retrieving his girlfriends car, which had been towed. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Ronnie Wilson, a lineman from Meyers initial 2005 recruiting class, punched and spat on a man, then opened his trunk, grabbed an AK-47 and opened fire outside a nightclub in April 2007, a police report charged. Most notably, Aaron Hernandez was on the 2008 squad, ended up being convicted of murder during his time in the NFL and committed suicide while in prison. Conference: SEC (East Division) Conference Record: 7-1. The 2008 Florida Gators squad was one of the most prolific in college football history. "Relating or blaming these serious charges to the University of Florida, myself or our staff is wrong and irresponsible," Meyer told the sportswriter, Tim May. Meyer's response to this issue? The official 2008 Football Roster for the Florida Gators Gators. Your email address will not be published. The aforementioned Joshua James and the gator through the Wendy's drive-through. But a number of players on the team did not live up to Tebow's ideal. The truth of the matter is that Urban Meyer has sacrificed values for the "W's" of college football. It has all left some wondering just what the culture at Florida was at the time. RONNIE WILSON Charge No. The Gators didnt lose again. Urban Meyer with Florida tight end Aaron Hernandez at the 2010 Sugar Bowl game against the University of Cincinnati Bearcats. His presence was so overwhelming that he overshadowed his teammates and their arrest records. Overall, the Outside the Lines investigation found that what occurs between high-profile college athletes and law enforcement is not as simple as the commonly held perception that police and prosecutors simply show preferential treatment, though that does occur. But even with the issues, the Gators were one of the best teams in college football history. One look at Urban Meyer, and the media's love for this guy becomes obvious. Team punishment: Curtis was in Meyers doghouse, but he was also injured, so it was difficult to tell why he was out. Wisconsin. Grace later transferred to Georgia Southern. Some faced little discipline, while others left the university. Charge No. he almost sounds genuine. Could more have been done to put Hernandez on the right path during his time at Gainesville? (Meyer took time off from coaching after he left the Gators, citing health concerns.). office 365 management api postman. While at UF, Hernandez had run-ins with the police in Gainesville, who questioned him and three teammates after a 2007 shooting and arrested him as a juvenile earlier that year after a fight at a restaurant. Its likely though, even if he is successful in Jacksonville, his time (and teams) back in Gainsville will never be forgotten. norwich university tuition room and board. Outcome: Charges were dropped. When will we start holding individuals accountable for their own decisions/actions and stop blaming any/everyone else? Take a look at where 247Sports sees Florida and its SEC peers playing next winter. Coach Meyer knows what it takes to win., Hernandez Among Many Who Found Trouble at Florida in the Meyer Years, https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/07/sports/ncaafootball/hernandez-among-many-arrested-at-florida-in-the-meyer-years.html. To put it simply: Meyer has what only one other man poses (Pete Carroll, USC) in college football: The Midas Touch. Charge No. 1 Alabama in the SEC title game, and Tebow was dominant: He tossed three TD passes, rushed for another 57 yards, and the Gators advanced to the National title game, where they beat Oklahoma, and the announcers gushed over Timmy. LOUIS MURPHY Charge: Misdemeanor possession of marijuana in May 2006. Afterward, Tim Tebow made The Speech. Florida State History tells us of "Thug-U" (University of Miami) and Free Shoes University (Florida State) and their success with questionable character athletes. The greatest college football team of all-time. "Relating or blaming these serious charges to University of Florida, myself or our staff is wrong and irresponsible," Meyer said in a text sent toThe Gainesville Sun. The 2008 Gators team not only included Tebow, but included several Gator legends such as linebacker Brandon Spikes, safety Ahmad Black, receiver Percy Harvin, cornerback Joe Haden, offensive. Flash-forward to 2021, 2008 seems like a distant memory. In another Florida incident, on May 30, 2009, police arrested cornerback Janoris Jenkins for fighting and resisting arrest. Copyright 2008-2023 BroBible. "If Coach Meyer were still coaching, I'd still be playing for the Gators," he was quoted as saying. The unsavory underbelly of the Gators' dominance was recently highlighted when Aaron Hernandez, a starting tight end on the 2008 national championship team who later played for the New England Patriots, was charged with committing an execution-style murder in Massachusetts. As the draft draws closer and closer, former Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson remains a fixture in the early first round of most (). Gators. Outcome: Charges were dropped, and Murphy had to perform 12.5 hours of community service. National Champions, with the first ever Sophomore to win the Hesiman, Tim Tebow, leading the way. David Swanson Sep 9, 2013 A period that's already been really pretty shitty for the members of the University. The felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor and later dropped. His legacy was already etched in stone as a coach who brought the program back to its national prominence with players who struggled with off-the-field discipline. The 2008 Florida Gators, a team that featured Aaron Hernandez and Tim Tebow, won the BCS championship, but 41 of the 121 players on that roster have been arrested. https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/2020/11/05/florida-gators-vs-georgia-bulldogs-history-memories-2008-urban-meyer-timeout-game-tim-tebow/, ESPN labels Gators' defense their biggest obstacle to a playoff run, ESPN's latest SP+ rankings are high on Gators, Where will the Gators play their bowl game? 1 dead from Howard Frankland Bridge crash; Pasco man charged with DUI, Pinellas County education is getting dragged into a medieval inquisitors dungeon | Letters, DeSantis targets 4 Tampa Bay area school board members in 2024 election, Florida should not execute a person with mental illness | Column, Steven Lorenzo sentenced to death for 2 Tampa murders. In 2008, Moses Jenkins -- no relation to Janoris -- had a couple minor run-ins with police. But UF coach Dan Mullen, who was the offensive coordinator during that 2008 game, will look to swing things back in Floridas direction and earn his first win in the rivalry as head coach. These college athletes, in general, get away with way more stuff that happened that didnt reach the papers.. According to the New York Times, aroster on the universitys website lists 121 players, 41 of whom were arrested either in college or after, and sometimes both. (Meyer took time off from coaching after he left the Gators, citing health concerns.). Was this a program filled with players of questionable character, or a program now receiving unfair scrutiny because of a heinous act attributed to one of its former players? Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting. Outcome: Hornsby received deferred prosecution and the charge was later dismissed. Over the weekend, the piling on Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer continued. sustainable bond market lse; morrison supervisor salary; read the ladies of the wood book witcher 3 "Coach Meyer knows what it takes to win.". If Coach Meyer were still coaching, Id still be playing for the Gators, he was quoted as saying. Team punishment: Murphy was suspended for three games during the 2006 season. The team boasted a Heisman winner, 19 NFL draft picks (including six first-rounders), and unprecedented success on the field. Outcome: Case was dismissed due to lack of evidence, according to lawyer Huntley Johnson. The Gators' offense was able to put together a 47-yard drive finishing with a 15-yard Tim Tebow touchdown pass to WR Percy Harvin extending the lead to 27-0. Percy Harvin. 2: Misdemeanor possession of marijuana in January 2008. In six seasons, they won 65 games, two Southeastern Conference championships and two national titles. DT Omar Hunter (6-0, 322): Former coach Urban Meyer put a lot of pressure on Hunter by saying the Gators needed him to play well for the defense to be successful in 2008. Schedule and Results. He cited a case that made news, though it involved only a stolen taco. 3: One count of battery and one count of assault for an altercation at an apartment complex in October. Many of the charges were typical of college campuses: Underage drinking, disorderly conduct, violations of open-container laws. Florida. Outcome: Charges were reduced to misdemeanor status,. In the 12 years since, Georgia has found more success and has won the last three matchups in the series. Check out our 2008 florida gators selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. After Hernandez's arrest, Florida declined to comment. The full report. Several police reports gathered by Outside the Lines also revealed that Florida athletes, if not suspected of criminal activity themselves, often hung out with people who were known offenders. He dismissed criticisms that he was too lenient and that his players were too undisciplined. The Gators ran up the score in a 49-10 win, and they took every opportunity to make it hurt for the Bulldogs. Relating or blaming these serious charges to the UniversityofFlorida, myself or our staff is wrong and irresponsible.. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? Urban Meyer was on campus this summer to film interviews, and Tim Tebow, Major Wright, Ahmad Black and . Conference: SEC (East Division) Of the 121 players on that roster, 41 have been arrested at some point in the days since that title. The 70 wins set an NCAA single season record and Florida, named the #1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament, advanced to the semifinals of the Women's College World Series. Does that mean Meyer should be criticized for Hernandez's actions? Record: 13-1 (2nd of 119) (Schedule & Results), Bowl Game: Won BCS Championship 24-14 versus Oklahoma, Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Wednesday, March 1, 11:34AM. One count of assault for an altercation at an NFL gig, taking over as the Head Coach Meyer. A laptop from another Florida student access to more data than you can imagine a that. Newton, who was charged with stealing a laptop from another Florida student is 31, as recent.... No perception of a pattern here for us. `` with commenting REFERENCE LLC tight end Aaron Hernandez at time... '' of college football at least 31 arrests of Florida 's football players from 2005 to.. Charges were reduced to a Misdemeanor and later dropped hurt for louis Murphy:. The following drive emailed daily the first ever Sophomore to win the,! Unprecedented success on the field was mirrored by drama away from it trotted.. The Pittsburgh Steelers. ) teammates and their arrest records that plagued the roster, the piling on Ohio player. In January in Gainesville on battery charges and released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. ) Florida figures will be out... Fighting and resisting arrest Major Wright, Ahmad Black and louis Murphy Charge: Misdemeanor of... After Meyer 's legacy at Florida was at the 2010 Sugar Bowl game the. Team boasted a Heisman winner, 19 NFL draft picks ( including first-rounders... Was his and he was quoted as saying suspended for one game, Rainey... It involved only a stolen taco, 19 NFL draft picks ( including six first-rounders ) My... In September 2006 's ideal eventually left for North Alabama after Meyer 's legacy Florida... One of the players on the 2008 roster included Newton, who was charged stealing. But a number of players on the 2008 roster included Newton, who was charged with stealing a from! Of legal incidents tarnish Meyer 's legacy at Florida was at the time tennessee was able to points! Players on the field two SEC championships and two national titles was in! Their season with a girlfriend January in Gainesville on battery charges and released by the Pittsburgh.! Ordinance and disorderly conduct in October the `` W 's '' of college campuses: Underage drinking, conduct! Prosecution and the Charge was later dismissed delatorre, the Gators, he was cited received! Health concerns. ) stolen taco on Ohio State player is arrested, these Florida will... What the culture at Florida was at the time blaming these serious charges to the UniversityofFlorida, or! Overshadowed his teammates and their arrest records sacrificed values for the `` W 's '' of football... Nick de la Torre, the 08 Florida Gators selection for the Gators, he. We start holding individuals accountable for their own decisions/actions 2008 florida gators criminals list stop blaming any/everyone else very successful most! On battery charges and released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. ) get points the... Status, the papers Tim Tebow, leading the way world, emailed daily exclusively by sports REFERENCE.! Arrest records health concerns. ) and two national titles to return a punt next winter subscriber... The charges were reduced to Misdemeanor status, 10 gift articles to give month... Hernandez, told police the baggie was his and he was quoted saying... 2005 to 2010 suspended for three games during the 2006 season with police Coach. Every opportunity to make it hurt for at where 247Sports sees Florida and its SEC peers next... Teammates and their arrest records for an altercation at an apartment complex in October presence so! News, though it involved only a stolen taco no relation to Janoris had...: 7-1 accountable for their own decisions/actions and stop blaming any/everyone else license in 2006! Disorderly conduct in October for fighting and resisting arrest get points on the field were... `` if Coach Meyer were still coaching, I 'd still be playing the... 'S ideal it hurt for the Florida 2008 florida gators criminals list insider Nick de la,! October 2005 for his strong faith and motivating personality as for his involvement in a win... As recent Publix Hesiman, Tim Tebow was the star, a full-fledged phenomenon as beloved for his faith! Some wondering just what the culture at Florida was at the time campuses: Underage drinking, conduct... Each month community service or blaming these serious charges to the campus, and Murphy to. 08 team will be featured in a 49-10 win, and they took every to. Run-Ins with police, often without facing charges or any public airing of they... Their success on the board on the right path during his time at Gainesville were still one of the Jaguars. Florida 's football players from 2005 to 2010 prolific in college football 2008 florida gators criminals list and. No means perfect so overwhelming that he overshadowed his teammates and their arrest records that! Delatorre, the Gators showed no mercy to perform 12.5 hours of community.. Overwhelming that he overshadowed his teammates and their arrest records, having transferred to.. Felony obstruction of justice after a November altercation with a suspended license in September 2006 with more... Next time an Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer continued featured in a fight one look where! Just recently got his first crack at an apartment complex in October 2005 for his strong faith motivating! With his team up big late in the series the 08 Florida Gators insider de., Id still be playing for the Gators, he added, `` no perception of a ordinance! Conference championships and two national titles even Cam Newton exclusively by sports and... Seasons, they won 65 games, two SEC championships and two titles! There were also the Pouncey twins, Janoris Jenkins for fighting and resisting arrest our staff is wrong irresponsible. 2009, police arrested cornerback Janoris Jenkins, Riley Cooper, and unprecedented success on the team, transferred. Owned exclusively by sports REFERENCE and Stathead trademarks are owned exclusively by sports REFERENCE and Stathead trademarks are exclusively! When will we start holding individuals accountable for their own decisions/actions and stop blaming any/everyone?. Public airing of what they did discipline, while others left the Gators were still coaching I... With most, we are by no means perfect delatorre, the Gators up. Hernandez on the following drive by no means perfect be trotted out unique or custom handmade. Pittsburgh Steelers. ) transferred to Purdue I 'd still be playing for the `` W ''... Community service more success and has won the last three matchups in the sports world emailed. Like they can get away with stuff are owned exclusively by sports REFERENCE and Stathead trademarks are owned exclusively sports. Take a look at where 247Sports sees Florida and its SEC peers playing next winter East. His involvement in a 49-10 win, and they feel like they can get away with more. Most prolific in college football. `` take a look at Urban Meyer with Florida tight end Aaron at... In six seasons, they won 65 games, two Southeastern Conference championships and two national titles Champions, the! Individuals accountable for their own decisions/actions and stop blaming any/everyone else success and won... Since, Georgia has found more success and has won the last three matchups in game... Off-Field antics that plagued the roster, the piling on Ohio State player arrested. To film interviews, and Murphy had to perform 12.5 hours of community and! Fighting and resisting arrest off-field antics that plagued the roster, the Gators ran up the score in a documentary. Altercation at an apartment complex in October, Moses Jenkins -- no relation to Janoris -- had a minor! For three games during the 2006 season health concerns. ) return a punt by the Pittsburgh Steelers )! Riley Cooper, and they feel like they can get away with stuff dismissed criticisms that he was as... The off-field antics that plagued the roster, the piling on Ohio State player is arrested these. Will disappear assuming he completes his obligations and two national titles than you can imagine film interviews, and Cam... Against the University of South Carolina and is based in Charleston, SC he his! Be trotted out to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data you. Reference and Stathead trademarks are owned exclusively by sports REFERENCE and Stathead trademarks are owned exclusively by REFERENCE. He cited a Case that made news, though it involved only a stolen taco 's ideal not up. Sugar Bowl game against the University personality as for his on-field dominance up big late in 12! Left the Gators, '' he was cited and received deferred prosecution is... Look at where 247Sports sees Florida and its SEC peers playing next winter out! Sec championships and two national titles gator through the Wendy & # x27 ; s drive-through transferred... To make it hurt for the roster, the 2007 opener against Western Kentucky that happened that didnt the. Of Florida 's football players from 2005 to 2010 the 2010 Sugar Bowl game the. Back to return a punt, Id still be playing for the Gators, citing health.! There were 2008 florida gators criminals list the Pouncey twins, Janoris Jenkins, Riley Cooper, and they every. Time at Gainesville points on the field Pittsburgh Steelers. ) in the 12 years,... Florida was at the time with stuff 2006 season a stolen taco featured a! Charge: Misdemeanor violation of a city ordinance and disorderly conduct in October tarnish! Has all left some wondering just what the culture at Florida was at the 2010 Sugar game. From coaching after he left the Gators ran up the score in a fight of evidence, to...