The Florida Gators’ travel squad to Arlington, Tex. for Saturday’s opener against Michigan became one player lighter on Monday. Coach Jim McElwain announced that receiver James Robinson won’t play on Saturday after being cited last week for possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana.
When asked if Robinson might be available, McElwain emphatically said “of course not.”
Robinson became the 8th Gator to be suspended since fall practice started. The freshman from Lakeland was not listed in the top 3 on the depth chart, but may have earned playing time against Michigan with top receiver Antonio Callaway already suspended.
Just two weeks ago, McElwain was forced to suspend Callaway and 6 other teammates for “misusing school-issued funds,” according to the Associated Press. Also not making the trip to Texas are defensive linemen Keivonnis Davis, Richerd Desir-Jones and Jordan Smith.
Linebackers James Houston and Ventrell Miller, along with offensive lineman Kadeem Telfort, also will remain at home.
“We have a small group of players that have made some choices that are extremely disappointing,” McElwain said upon suspending the 7.
Miller was with Robinson in the dormitory last week and also cited.
Michigan, ranked 11th in the AP preseason Top 25, will square off against the No. 17 Gators in AT&T Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN.
