Gators QB Treon Harris reinstated after sexual battery complaint dropped
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Florida quarterback Treon Harris has been fully reinstated by the university and the football team after a fellow student accuser withdrew her sexual battery complaint against the freshman.
The school said in a statement Friday that the woman who made the allegation "is not pursuing criminal charges against him at this time, but maintains the right to do so in the future." The university added that it is not proceeding with any action against Harris.
Florida coach Will Muschamp responded by reinstating Harris, but said he will not play in Saturday night's game against Southeastern Conference rival LSU.
"We have been notified that the university and legal process is complete," Muschamp said in a statement. "Treon has been reinstated to the team, but he will not play Saturday.
"This has been a learning experience for everyone involved. Treon has been honest with me throughout the process and is looking forward to rejoining his teammates."
Harris took to social media to recognize his supporters.
"I wanna thank everybody who supported me through this whole situation with the prayers and the love," Harris posted on his Instagram account.
Under Florida law, the woman could be charged with a misdemeanor if authorities believe she filed a false police report.
The Associated Press does not usually identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault.
The school has protected her anonymity, too.
"The university always will take swift and decisive action when we have concerns about the safety of our students," spokeswoman Janine Sikes said.
A Miami native who chose Florida over in-state rival Florida State, Harris was banned from all team activities Monday while authorities investigated the allegations made against him. He also was not allowed to attend classes.
The school said Harris was accused of sexually assaulting a female student at an on-campus residence hall around 3 a.m. Sunday -- hours after he helped Florida rally to beat Tennessee 10-9 in Knoxville.
Harris was not arrested or charged with a crime.
"I am pleased for Treon Harris and his family," said Harris' attorney, Huntley Johnson.
Sikes said the police report will be released when it is available. The university released an 18-pade incident report Wednesday, but most of it was redacted for privacy reasons.
Johnson had tried to dispel media reports about his client's relationship with the woman and what happened early Sunday.
The attorney said the woman showed "no indication of any physical or mental trauma" after the incident, adding that there was evidence the woman was the "sexual aggressor with not one, but two young men early last Sunday morning."
Harris replaced benched starter Jeff Driskel late in the third quarter against Tennessee on Saturday and led the Gators to 10 points in his first two drives. Florida held on to win 10-9.
Johnson said the woman started texting Harris before he left the locker room in Knoxville.
"He is not guilty of a crime and he did not mistreat this young lady in any way that night," Johnson said.
Harris, who has completed 4 of 6 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns, will be on the sideline against the Tigers. He did not practice all week or take part in team meetings.
Driskel was named the starter Wednesday despite struggling most of the year. Skyler Mornhinweg or freshman Will Grier will serve as the backup.
