Carlos Dunlap Cleared to Play in Sugar Bowl
Less than three weeks after his DUI arrest, star Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap was reinstated to the team Friday and will play in the Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl.
The announcement came from UF coach Urban Meyer after Friday's practice. Meyer said the decision was reached by the school's administration after he had discussions with athletic director Jeremy Foley and UF president Bernie Machen on Friday.
"He's going to play if he takes care (of some things)," Meyer said. "(I talked) with the administration, with the president and also the athletic director. What was involved was it was (Dunlap's) first mistake. It was a real serious one, but he paid a serious price as well. It was a real serious mistake. But since he's been here he's been a good student, a good person and represented (UF) well. It devastated him."
Meyer said Machen and Foley recommended Dunlap be reinstated.
"There were a lot of discussions," Meyer said. "(There was no) previous track record. It's case by case. If there was another issue, it would be an issue, and there hasn't been. That's basically what the administration let me know. They actually let me know."
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20091218/ARTICLES/912189933/1118
Urban Meyer really runs a tight ship down in Gainesville.
December 18th, 2009 at 11:24 PM ^
I wonder if Bob Knight agrees with Urb's decision
December 18th, 2009 at 11:26 PM ^
Absolutely ridiculous
December 18th, 2009 at 11:27 PM ^
there comes a point in a young mans life when he needs to learn to take responsibility for his actions, and how his actions affect those around him. Obviously, when there is a college football game to be played, and you are a star player, this is not a good time for taking responsibility. Getting a DUI is not letting your fellow teammates down, but sitting out the Sugar Bowl would be. Meyer has won two national titles, how could we possibly question him?
December 18th, 2009 at 11:28 PM ^
Tim Tebow is America's QB.
December 18th, 2009 at 11:34 PM ^
and your point is?
December 18th, 2009 at 11:38 PM ^
of down home southern logic; Tim Tebow is America's QB, therefore Urban Meyer should play any player who could help the team win the Sugar Bowl for America.
I am a little surprised that I have to spell it out for you.
December 19th, 2009 at 4:20 AM ^
Tim Tebow is gods QB, Tony Romo is America's QB
December 19th, 2009 at 12:04 AM ^
Meyer did suspend Dunlap for the SEC Championship, and their defense couldn't stop 'Bama; the kid definitely suffered a lot for his indiscretion. Maybe Meyer felt that was enough punishment. We're not talking premediated acts of violence or sucker punches here. IIRC, UM seems to give short suspensions and second chances for DUI's and minor possession charges, but draws the line at violence or drug dealing.
I hope Dunlap learned his lesson on this one and I will trust Meyer's judgement.
December 19th, 2009 at 10:10 AM ^
Driving under the influence is a premeditated act of violence IME. It is a far more serious offense than people give it credit for. Roughly equal to firing a gun randomly in a shopping mall.
December 19th, 2009 at 12:59 PM ^
no it isn't. evil people fire guns into shopping malls while some of your close friends have at one point or another drove drunk. when you go into a mall and shoot a gun you are trying to hurt or kill somebody. when you get into a car drunk you aren't going "I'm going to try and kill somebody tonight".
December 19th, 2009 at 12:12 AM ^
Why wouldn't he be? Look what happened against Bama. Urban can't chance another loss.
December 19th, 2009 at 12:23 AM ^
Are these comments coming from the same fanbase that would accept Boubacar Cissoko back onto the team on the basis of "needed cornerback depth?"
December 19th, 2009 at 12:48 AM ^
You're comparing drunk driving to falling behind at school?
December 19th, 2009 at 1:13 AM ^
Kevin Grady
December 19th, 2009 at 1:11 PM ^
Grady was suspended for one game against Utah. Dunlap was suspended for one game, and a massively more important one. UM fans griping about this need to realize we did the exact same thing before calling Urban Meyer "ridiculous"
December 19th, 2009 at 5:44 AM ^
Fermented Sugar Bowl.