Florida RB Lamichal Perine faces complaint, could result in ‘bullshit’ charge, state attorney says

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A sworn complaint has been levied against Florida Gators senior running back Lamical Perine, the team’s presumptive starter this season, after he allegedly pulled the arm of a tow truck driver on May 7, according to The Gainesville Sun. The driver said Perine allegedly did so during an argument that occurred while the driver attempted to tow Perine’s mother’s car over a missing decal; Perine was attempting to stop the attempted tow.

Perine was not arrested, but the complaint could eventually become a battery charge, which would result in Perine receiving a notice to appear in court.

State Attorney Bill Cervone said he has not decided whether to prosecute and sees the allegation as, well, ridiculous.

“That is bullshit,” Cervone told the Sun. “There’s a certain amount of touching that is not intended to be a criminal matter. I could put my arm on your shoulder as I walk past you, and technically, that’s battery. Some people revel in something that’s not a big deal. It’s a football player and it becomes the end of the world.”

Though this incident appears minor and should not result in a battery charge — if it does, it will likely be a misdemeanor that results in probation and community service – it is another incident with a Florida football player this offseason.

Freshman quarterback Jalon Jones was accused by two women of sexual assault in early April, though he was not arrested as neither decided to pursue charges. Jones is transferring. Junior cornerback Brian Edwards was arrested in early may for misdemeanor battery as the result of a domestic incident. He is not participating in team activities at this time but is still listed on the roster. Assistant director of player personnel Otis Yelverton, 51, was arrested in April for third-degree felony cyberstalking and is currently on administrative leave.

Outside of the court system, four-star cornerback Chris Steele — the top recruit in the Gators’ Class of 2019 — decided to transfer. Steele was Jones’ roommate and told coaches he was uncomfortable with his living situation, but he was also reportedly homesick. Florida has also lost five members of its stellar 2021 recruiting class in the last two months.