Gators suspend QB Harris, WR Callaway for undisclosed reasons
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Florida will open spring practice with two key offensive players suspended indefinitely.
Quarterback Treon Harris and dynamic receiver Antonio Callaway have been away from the team since January, coach Jim McElwain said Tuesday, and the Gators are not saying why they are suspended.
It's also not clear whether they are being punished by the university or the football program.
School officials confirmed Tuesday that Harris and Callaway are enrolled in classes for the spring semester, but McElwain said there's no timetable for their return.
The Gators open spring practice Wednesday.
"We're without a couple of guys who haven't been with our team since January in Treon and Antonio," McElwain said. "They're still doing some school work and that kind of stuff. But they haven't been with us since January and they won't be with us as we're rolling, so you won't see those guys out there at practice. Guys, that'll be the last that we talk about that."
McElwain was pressed for more information several times, but responded each time with "that will be the last we talk about it."
"I am excited about all of those guys that are going to be here as we move forward to spring practice," McElwain added. "That will be what we talk about."
According to Gainesville police, campus police and court records, neither Harris nor Callaway appear to the subject of a criminal investigation. They could, however, be suspended while under investigation by the Student Conduct Committee for a code of conduct violation. But those records would be confidential under federal and state privacy laws that protect students.
Harris has been suspended twice before, the first time in October 2014 while authorities investigated a sexual battery allegation against him. The complaint was later withdrawn, and Harris was fully reinstated. He also was suspended for one game last September for violating University Athletic Association policy.
He ended up starting the final eight games last season, after Will Grier was suspended one year for violating the NCAA's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
Harris completed 50 percent of his passes for 1,676 yards as a sophomore, with nine touchdowns and six interceptions. McElwain said there's a chance Harris might switch positions when and if he returns.
"Possibly. We'll see," he said. "We'll talk about it when it happens."
Callaway played in every game as a freshman last season. He caught for 35 passes for 678 yards and four touchdowns. He also returned 28 punts for 435 yards and two scores.
He is expected to be the team's go-to receiver and maybe the team's best offensive player this fall, assuming he gets back on the field. That's something McElwain couldn't or wouldn't project.
"Did I give you clarity?" McElwain said. "I think I pretty much cleared the air: We're not talking about it."
