Elam, Patton arrested for possession of alcohol

Florida Gators freshmen safety Matt Elam and wide receiver Solomon Patton were each arrested over the summer for possession of alcohol by a minor (person under the age of 21), according to the Miami Herald.

The Herald reports that Elam was “arrested for allegedly possessing a can of carbonated malt liquor in the parking lot of a bank on NW 1st Street in Gainesville,” while Patton was “arrested at Plasma Lounge in downtown Gainesville and charged with a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly possessing a drink containing vodka.”

Elam pleaded no contest to the charge on July 21 and was ordered to pay a fine of $121-184 by Alachua County court; Patton’s prosecution was deferred on Aug. 18 by request and will likely result in his record being wiped clean after he completes community service.

Though, according to co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Chuck Heater, Elam will not be suspended for the Sept. 4 opener against Miami (OH), Patton’s status has yet to be decided. Elam is expected to see significant playing time this season while Patton’s role is that of a back-up.

On June 14, a source close to the team told OGGOA that head coach Urban Meyer and his coaching staff held an emergency meeting with players to inform them that, more than ever, accountability and responsibility were important to the program this offseason. This occurred after redshirt sophomore WR Frankie Hammond, Jr. was arrested for DUI. The Gators adopted an “if one falls, all fall” mentality that was taught in practical application immediately after the impassioned meeting.

OGGOA will update this story as more information is made available.