On the morning of December 1, just a few days before Florida’s loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship game, Gators junior defensive end Carlos Dunlap was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence.
Later that day, Florida coach Urban Meyer announced that Dunlap would be suspended for the championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Meyer called Dunlap’s actions “a very poor decision.”
The Gainesville Police incident report said that Dunlap was arrested shortly before 4 a.m.
According to a report, police attempted to wake a sleeping Dunlap multiple times at a traffic light in the middle of an intersection near the University of Florida campus with his car still in gear. Police unlocked the red 2000 Chrysler through a crack in the driver’s side window.
Police were afraid Dunlap’s foot would come off of the brake and the car would cause an accident. After police gained entry, they put the car in park and turned off the engine.
According to the report, police detected alcohol on Dunlap’s breath. He submitted to field sobriety tests, which he failed, but refused to submit to a breath test, according to Gainesville Police spokesman Keith Kameg.
The 20-year-old defensive end appeared in court and was released on his on recognizance shortly after 9 a.m. The judge admonished Dunlap for underage drinking. As part of his release, his is prohibited from possessing alcohol, illegal drugs, and any prescription drugs not prescribed to him. He is also not allowed to operate a motor vehicle and will be jailed if he violates the terms of his release.
A court date has yet to be set for the DUI charge.
Many believe Dunlap would be a first-round pick in the NFL draft if he decides to leave after this season. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. rates him as the No. 3 overall selection.
