Six Florida Gators Suspended For The Season Opener
By Kyle Kensing
April 6, 2013; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back/wide receiver Loucheiz Purifoy (15) reacts during the spring practice for the Orange and Blue Deput at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Purifoy is one of six Florida Gators suspended for Saturday’s game against Toledo. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Starting cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy is one six Florida Gators suspended for Saturday’s season opener against Toledo, Robbie Andreu of The Gainesville Sun reports.
Offensive lineman Quinteze Williams, wide receiver Latroy Pittman, and defensive tackles defensive tackles Darious Cummings and Jay-nard Bostwick are also among the reportedly suspended Gators.
A source told The Sun that two of the suspensions were the result of failed drug tests, though the report does not specify which players are suspended for that reason.
Purifoy and linebacker Antonio Morrison are the two most notable Gators benched on Week 1. Both are significant losses for a Gator defense that must replace several key contributors from last season’s outstanding unit. Against Toledo, Florida is opposite an offense that has been one of the nation’s most prolific the last few seasons.
The Rockets return a solid corps of skill position players, including quarterback Terrance Owens, running back David Fluellen and wide receiver Bernard Reedy. Reedy raised eyebrows earlier this week when he called out Florida’s collective effort late in ball games due to depth issues.
Now, Reedy’s assessment seems rather prescient.
UT is no walk-over opponent for Florida. The Gators struggled with Toledo’s MAC counterpart Bowling Green in last year’s season opener, as well as Sun Belt foe La.-Lafayatte. The Rockets also have a recent win over a top 25, BCS conference opponent to their credit, having ended Cincinnati’s perfect start midway through last season.