Gator cornerback in trouble with the law

Killian · Post by **Killian** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 7:23 pm

Baby Mama Drama

UF football player accused of battery, false imprisonment

Dave Curtis | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted June 20, 2006, 1:45 PM EDT

GAINESVILLE -- Florida cornerback Avery Atkins has been accused of repeatedly punching the mother of his child and keeping her trapped in his car for 20 minutes Saturday, a Daytona Beach Police incident report said.

Atkins, a sophomore-to-be from Mainland who is a projected starter, is accused of felony false imprisonment and misdemeanor domestic battery of Benarah Sanford, the report said.

In a statement to police over the weekend, Atkins said he didn't force Sanford to stay in the car and that any battery against Sanford, 19, came when he was defending himself from her.

Al Tolley, public information officer with Daytona Beach Police, said this morning that no arrests have been made in the case, which remains open. "This is not a clear-cut domestic-violence case," he said. "There's been a recommendation that there is a continued investigation, and [police will] sit down with both people again."

This afternoon, Florida sports information director Steve McClain said Atkins has not been dismissed from the team. Through McClain, UF Coach Urban Meyer said Atkins is restricted from joining his teammates in some workouts, meetings and other functions. "Avery has some issues to deal with before he can participate in all of our team activities," Meyer said, according to McClain.

Atkins could not be reached for comment.

News of the accusations adds to a tumultuous spring and early summer for Atkins. In mid-April, Atkins missed the final week of spring practice and the Orange and Blue Game to address what coaches deemed a "personal issue." On April 17, a sworn complaint was filed with Daytona Beach Police accusing Atkins of aggravated battery in a March 11 incident. The complaint doesn't list any particulars, and that case is closed.

Three weeks ago, at the Southeastern Conference annual meetings, UF Coach Urban Meyer said Atkins had rejoined the team but still needed to regain favor. "He's doing much better," Meyer said then. "All it is is making up some things."

Atkins' most recent troubles came Saturday afternoon, when an altercation between him and Sanford left her with swelling and small lacerations to her face and upper arm. They were arguing over another woman, Atkins told police. Sanford told police the injuries were sustained when Atkins attacked her; Atkins argued he was defending himself from Sanford's punches.

Staffer Erin Ailworth contributed to this report. Dave Curtis can be reached at dcurtis@orlandosentinel.com.

Mr T · Post by **Mr T** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 8:21 pm

It must be a misunderstanding Killian. The gates dont do this type of stuff. Hopefully this will all be corrected because I would hate for this to tarnish their good name......

Cicero · Post by **Cicero** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 8:34 pm

So in the off season we have D Webb firing off AK-47's and now Atkins going Lawrence Phillips on his girlfriend. I am so glad UF is a squeaky clean program and never does anything bad.

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 8:53 pm

The Criminators

Adelpiero · Post by **Adelpiero** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 9:03 pm

looks like the gators are getting bowdens prize recruits now.

Laxplayer · Post by **Laxplayer** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 9:13 pm

They're all innocent.
Sin,
TRIX.

Nolesy · Post by **Nolesy** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 9:39 pm

Oh F*** all of you. 33-7 Bode.

sinerely, beep beep