Florida LB Morrison gets deferred prosecution

Florida Gators sophomore linebacker Antonio Morrison received deferred prosecution on Friday after being arrested nearly two weeks ago for first-degree misdemeanor simple battery after allegedly striking a bouncer.

According to the Gainesville Police Department, Morrison and a group of men visited Kava Lounge & Bar on June 16 and inquired about the cost of entering the establishment. The bouncer at the front door told him the price and explained that he would not be receiving a discount, information that caused Morrison to become upset.

“Don’t you know who I am? I am a UF football player! I am Antonio!” he responded, according to the official police report.

After again being told he would have to pay full price, Morrison allegedly threw a “closed fist” that connected “on top of the left side of [the victim’s] head” before leaving.

Morrison, 19, was read his Miranda rights at his on-campus dorm. He admitted to getting into a “scuffle” with the victim at the establishment but contented that it was not a “big deal.” He further admitted to being intoxicated at the time of the incident and claimed he did not remember the details of what transpired.

According to Florida Today’s David Jones, who first reported the agreement, Morrison’s deferred prosecution includes mandatory attendance at both a drug and alcohol abuse program and anger management program. He must also join the University Police Department for two separate eight-hour ride-alongs and pay $100 to the State Attorney’s Office. Finally, he has the option to pay $150 as a donation to CDS Family and Behavioral Health Services or perform 12 hours of community service.

“The specifics of the agreement were accepted by the alleged victim,” Jones reported.

A four-star rated prospect prior to his first season at Florida in 2012, Morrison appeared in all 13 games for the Gators as a true freshman, starting three contests. The early enrollee out of Bolingbrook, IL, finished with 34 tackles (2.0 for loss), a sack and a forced fumble, receiving SEC All-Freshman Team honors at the season’s end.

At the time of Morrison’s arrest, Florida announced that “Coach [Will] Muschamp is aware of the situation and handling the matter.” The program has not addressed the incident since though it will likely be a topic of conversation at the SEC Media Days. The Gators will make an appearance on July 16.

Morrison will have six months to complete the terms of his deferred prosecution. He was represented by Gainesville, FL, attorney Huntley Johnson.