The Florida football team might be missing one of their most talented offensive weapons when they open the season on Sept. 3. Last Friday, it was announced that Florida's Antonio Callaway was found not guilty of sexual assault following the Title IX hearing that took place the week prior.
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For the first time following the events that surrounded Callaway being accused of sexual assault, Florida head coach Jim McElwain addressed the media. McElwain said that he was unsure of what Callaway's status would be for the opener, given that Callaway's punishment, if the school decides to hand one down, has not yet been specified — but it could include a suspension or two.
Mac said no decision whether Antonio Callaway will play in the #Gators opener.
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) August 15, 2016
'He has dealt with a lot,' Mac said of Callaway, on campus, 'not being part of the family. A lot of time to sit and think.' #Gators
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) August 15, 2016
'What have I seen? Time will tell,' Mac on Callaway's growth due to suspension, accusations. #Gators
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) August 15, 2016
ESPN released a bombshell report two weeks ago — according to reporters Mark Schlabach and Paula Lavigne, Harris and Callaway were accused in December of sexual assault by a female University of Florida student. The accuser has chosen to boycott the school's Title IX hearing due to the university appointing a Florida football booster, to adjudicate the case. ESPN also reported that Harris agreed to transfer away from Florida as part of a plea deal with the as part of a plea deal related to the Title IX case.
Callaway's attorney Huntley Johnson released a copy of the Title IX investigation ruling, which included some details regarding the information that went into the decision to find Callaway to be not guilty. In short, as summarized by 247Sports, the Title IX investigation found that Callaway did have sex with his accuser, the burden of proof that Callaway caused his accuser bodily hard, or assaulted his accuser from "the totality of evidence" was not met.
Callaway, as a true freshman last season, had 35 catches for 678 yards and four touchdowns, which led the team in receiving yards.
