Security footage that led to Florida players’ arrests released
By Andrew Olson
Published:
University of Florida police have released security footage of the BB gun incident that led to the arrests of two Florida freshmen receivers, Tyrie Cleveland and Rick Wells, after a records request by student newspaper The Independent Florida Alligator.
The two were arrested on charges of criminal mischief and firing a missile into a building for shooting BB guns into the Keys residential complex on campus last month. In The Alligator’s condensed video, a man is shown leaving a broom in the door so that Cleveland and Wells can open it, as they apparently do not live in the complex. Cleveland casually opens the door before Wells leans in and briefly fires. The door closes before Cleveland can fire into the residential hall, so he opts to shoot upward from the outside. In footage from the south side of the complex, one can see the BB’s hitting the glass around the opposite door.
Cleveland, the No. 2 wideout of the 2016 class according to 247Sports composite rankings, is expected to be a key contributor for the Gators this fall. Wells, a former three-star prospect from Jacksonville, was UF’s first pledge for 2016. The pair are being represented by local attorney Huntley Johnson, known for getting Florida players out of legal trouble.
Coach Jim McElwain has not yet announced punishment for the two receivers.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
