For people who currently rule the college sports world, Florida players sure seem angry. First, linebacker Dustin Doe was arrested last weekend for being part of a brawl in a Gainesville parking garage, now offensive lineman Ronnie Wilson has been charged with aggravated assault, simple battery and the use or display of a concealed weapon during the commission of a felony (complicated charge, worth a lot of points). According to reports, after he spit on and slapped a man in a nightclub, Wilson allegedly took a rifle out of his car trunk and fired a warning shot into the air because he wanted the man to "know how it feels to be scared." Urban Meyer's take? "Obviously, this is a major concern." Meyer not only has to be concerned for the reputation of his program and the well-being of his players, but also the fact that he has an offensive linemen who feels the need to discharge a firearm for intimidation purposes rather than just using the fact that he's 6' 3" and 300-pounds. What was Wilson going to do to intimidate the 300-pounder lined up against him on game day? Shank somebody during warm-ups? Lob grenades into the opposing huddle?
Unlike Doe, who was not suspended (but will face internal punishment) mostly because his offense was in self-defense, Wilson probably faces pretty stiff penalties, both legally and from the team. He is currently awaiting a court appearance.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-08-2007 @ 6:35PM
q said...
Aside from fans just simply enjoying these guys on the field because they accomplishmnts...I think people have to face reality that these guys are targets. Everyone that comes into contact with these players are not a fans.
Envy and jealousy seems to light a fire under the underachieving bums of the world. It's a fact that there are some characters out there that have only done just enough in thier lifetime, to allow them to scape up a few dollars to equip themself with a gun; and oh--just enough to pay the cover charge into the local night clubs.
It a matter of clashing symbols, prosperity -vs- a local bum. Although its not fair that a guys only crime has been that he's paid attention in school, and passed his Sat's, got a scholarship, and just so happens to be on TV on Saturdays, can't go to the club, and enjoy the night life during his college years. But that's the way it's going nowadays.
The guys with the smart have to wise up, and recoknize what's going on.
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4-07-2007 @ 11:14AM
Brittney said...
I think that was BEAUTIFULY written. These Men are targeted! I mean honestly, why would that man in the first place start something with a 6ft 3 in 300 pound freakin line men. He obviously was trying to prove something and provoked Ronnies behavior. I'm not sayin taking a gun out and shooting is okay, but everyone has a breaking point and everyone makes mistakes, even there immortal GATORS! Love you Ronnie!
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4-07-2007 @ 12:04PM
Jessica said...
Are you kidding me???
So, you're saying that we should feel sorry for the guy since people are giving him a hard time because he's a college football player? Nowhere in that article does it say that he was being threatened in any way by the guy he spit on. Gimme a break!
This is why U of Florida teams are usually only liked by people from Florida. They have a reputation for letting criminals play for them. This isn't about what the players have to go through once they become famous. This is about a person's character, and obviously this guy has none. I don't care how famous I am, if I am 'crossed', you won't see me walking out to my car to get my shotgun.
But, good to see the fans are still behind him. *eye roll*
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4-07-2007 @ 9:56PM
mvasilenko said...
"Meyer not only has to be concerned for the reputation of his program and the well-being of his players, but also the fact that he has an offensive linemen who feels the need to discharge a firearm for intimidation purposes rather than just using the fact that he's 6' 3" and 300-pounds."
Obviously you don't understand what its like being out and having to deal with drama. You don't know how many people were on each side, and biggest all size doesn't matter. Anyone should know that these days, what matters is who has your back and how many or how big your gun is. People don't just fight, people kill people now. It's not right but don't put the guy farther down because you don't know how real life is.
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