Jim McElwain refuses to address status of Florida Gators WR Antonio Callaway, QB Treon Harris

It has been a poorly kept secret since the conclusion of the season that junior quarterback Treon Harris and sophomore wide receiver Antonio Callaway have been away from the Florida Gators football program while dealing with an undisclosed ongoing situation.

Florida head coach Jim McElwain chose to address the status of both players near the start of his press conference ahead of spring football practice, but he did very little in the way of providing any information, not just about why the players are away from the team (understandable) but also what their specific status is with the Gators and whether they will be able to play football again.

“We’re without a couple of guys who haven’t been with our team since January in Treon and Antonio,” he began. “They’re still doing some schoolwork and that kind of stuff, but they haven’t been with us since January, and they won’t be with us as we’re rolling, so you won’t see those guys out there at practice. Guys, that’ll be the last we talk about that.”

Though McElwain tried to end the conversation there, the media in attendance followed up by asking for more information, just as they should when being completely stonewalled by a coach. McElwain would not relent.

“They just haven’t been with the team, and that’ll be the last we talk about it. That’ll be the last we talk about it,” he said.

Asked again later in the presser, McElwain waved his hand at the question a fourth time and then actually asked reporters, “Did I give you clarity?”

Those in attendance did not answer, so we will: Nope.

Update: According to the Associated Press, Callaway and Harris are indeed considered “suspended” from the program.

Callaway broke out in a major way for the Gators last season, leading with 678 receiving yards and four touchdowns while also serving as a tremendous asset on special teams at punt returner. Harris took over for suspended QB Will Grier but failed to impress and will enter the 2016 season – as long as he’s with the team barring the outcome of this incident or a potential transfer – likely working at wideout or as a backup at quarterback.