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Report: Florida WR Antonio Callaway found not responsible in sexual assault investigation
Published:
Florida sophomore wide receiver Antonio Callaway has been found not responsible in a Title IX sexual assault investigation, according to the Tampa Bay Times‘ Matt Baker.
BREAKING: #Gators WR Antonio Callaway found NOT responsible in Title IX sexual assault investigation. Story coming.
— Matt Baker (@MBakerTBTimes) August 12, 2016
Per the report:
Callaway was indefinitely suspended in January while UF investigated a code of conduct complaint against the Miami native. He missed all of spring practice before UF modified his suspension on June to allow him to return to campus and team workouts pending the final outcome of the investigation. He participated in the team’s opening practices of fall camp.
The complainant and her attorney, Colorado-based John Clune, boycotted an Aug. 5 hearing because of what Clune considered a possible conflict of interest. The hearing officer, Jacksonville attorney Jake Schickel, is a Gators booster with the football and basketball programs and a member of UF’s hall of fame. Through a spokesperson, UF has said that its hearing officers are all vetted and trained in impartiality.
RELATED: What Antonio Callaway’s return means for the Florida offense
Huntley Johnson, Callaway’s attorney, has released the following statement in wake of the findings:
The complainant’s advisor has gone out of his way to distort Mr. Callaway’s actions. Please allow us to level the playing field.
This decision by the hearing officer reflects only a fraction of the evidence which is not favorable 10 the complainant.
The young lady’s advisor has said, “they take their witnesses and go elsewhere.’ They need to be careful what they wish for.
Earlier this month, Callaway was cleared for practice and became eligible to play this season.
As a true freshman in 2015, Callaway recorded 35 receptions for 678 yards and four touchdowns. He is expected to play a huge role in the Gators’ offensive game plan moving forward.
Tyler Waddell is a member of the Saturday Down South news team. He brings over five years of professional journalism experience and is closing in on a Bachelor's in sports management. Follow him on Twitter (@Tyler_Waddell).
