Report: Florida freshman arrested on felony charge following domestic dispute

An unnamed incoming Florida freshman has been arrested on a third-degree felony charge of false imprisonment, according to a report from the Gainesville Sun. Because the player in question is 17 years old, the Sun opted not to name him at this time.

The alleged incident occurred on June 1. Citing a Gainesville Police Department (GDP) report, the Sun noted that the Florida football player and alleged victim got into a verbal argument that quickly escalated.

The escalation began after the football player found information on the alleged victim’s phone. From there it turned physical.

The football player allegedly held the victim down on a bed and shook her, then got on top and began choking the victim to the point she could not breathe. According to the Gainesville Sun, “at close to 400 pounds, the accused outweighed the alleged victim by more than 200 pounds.”

The alleged victim then attempted to leave, but the Florida football player reportedly blocked the doorway. He then threw her black iPhone 16 Pro against the wall, she told police.

According to the police report cited by the Sun, the accused football player admitted to throwing the phone but denied choking the victim or preventing her from leaving the room. However, “arresting officers noticed lacerations and wounds on the face of the alleged victim that were still visible and bleeding.”

A Florida spokesman said the school is aware of the arrest when contacted by the Gainesville Sun. They noted:

“We will continue to gather facts, cooperate with and monitor the legal and administrative process,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

The unnamed Florida player is the second this spring to run afoul of the law. Defensive back Dijon Johnson was arrested May 2 on multiple charges, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. He was later released on a surety bond, documents showed.

Johnson was charged with possession of a firearm during commission of a felony and possession of a controlled substance — a Class 2 and Class 3 felony, respectively. He’s also facing misdemeanor charges of possession of cannabis less than 20 grams and resisting an officer without violence.