Florida Gators Freshman Football Player Arrested on Felony Charge of False Imprisonment

A freshman football player for the University of Florida has been arrested and charged with false imprisonment related to a domestic incident involving dating violence. Due to Florida statutes protecting the identities of minors, the player’s name has not been released, as he is 17 years old.

The incident reportedly occurred during an altercation between the player and his dating partner. According to police, a verbal dispute escalated after the accused discovered content on the victim’s phone, leading to a physical confrontation.

Law enforcement documents state that the victim attempted to leave the room, but was blocked by the player, who allegedly grabbed her phone and smashed it against a wall. The victim told police she was then pushed onto a bed, where she was reportedly held down, shaken, choked, and punched multiple times. She also stated that the accused, who weighs nearly 400 pounds—over 200 pounds more than the victim—overpowered her during the incident.

The player denied choking the victim or preventing her from leaving the room but admitted to damaging her phone by throwing it against a dresser. Officers noted visible injuries on the victim’s face and documented damage to the wall consistent with the impact of a phone.

The player is expected to be charged as a juvenile in Alachua County Civil Court. False imprisonment is a third-degree felony in Florida, carrying a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

As of now, the University has not issued any official updates on the player’s status with the football program.