Chris Rainey: Florida Gators Football Stars Falling into Jail

Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer)

Last year I took up the cause of defending Urban Meyer and the problems he's faced as head coach at Florida with keeping players off the arrest record. At that time, most of the players in trouble were brought in by former coach Ron Zook, but as the problems continue, you can now lay it squarely at Meyer's feet.

With 29 "incidents" where players have faced either felony or misdemeanor charges in the Meyer era, when is it time to say enough is enough?

The latest incident involved Gator star slot receiver Chris Rainey allegedly texting his girlfriend after he was told to leave her premises, "Time to die [expletive] u and ur???" the report states.

She was frightened and called the police, and when they arrived, they asked her to call Rainey so they could speak to him. She said that when she told Rainey that police wanted to speak with him, Rainey said, "Wait and see what happens when they leave."

Upon arrest, Rainey admitted to the text but said he did not say that about seeing what happens when they leave.

Allegedly, he arrived at the victim's home after 11 p.m. on Monday, calling and texting her from outside the door. She eventually went outside and talked to him after Rainey told the victim, "I'm here and I will bust out the window".

Rainey was then asked to leave and the threatening text was then sent later.

Still, Rainey's arrest for aggravated stalking puts Florida back in an uncomfortable light yet again and leaves many wondering when and if Meyer can get a handle on things at Florida.

Rainey, a junior, is the team's slot receiver and already has a touchdown early in this season and was projected to be a major star on this team. It is unclear what punishment Meyer will place on Rainey and when that punishment will begin.

He was taken out of last week's contest with South Florida with a possible slight concussion, but was expected to play this week against Tennessee.

Florida and Meyer have not made a public announcement yet, though one is expected soon. Rainey was still being held at the Alachua County Jail at the time of this report.