Donovan reinstates Gators forward Murphy

Florida Gators head basketball coach Billy Donovan announced via an official statement Thursday that junior forward Erik Murphy has been reinstated from his indefinite suspension and will rejoin the team this week.

“Erik Murphy has served his punishment,” Donovan said. “We’re all disappointed with what transpired, but there’s no question Erik has learned a great deal through the whole process and understands what a great opportunity and privilege it is to play college basketball.”

Arrested in April on a third-degree felony burglary charge for allegedly breaking into a car in St. Augustine, FL, Murphy had the charge reduced to a second-degree criminal trespassing misdemeanor in May and accepted a plea deal that included a small fine and community service among other penalties.

Murphy, expected to start for the Gators this season, was arrested alongside redshirt freshman F Cody Larson, who entered a plea of not guilty and has an Oct. 31 sentencing date. Larson could be in violation of his probation stemming from an arrest in South Dakota that occurred before he committed to Florida in 2010. He was also indefinitely suspended until his legal issue is settled, which may not be for some time.