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Charges Won't Be Filed Against Cunningham

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By ANDY STAPLES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 19, 2007

GAINESVILLE - GAINESVILLE - GAINESVILLE - The state attorney's office has opted not to pursue a misdemeanor battery charge against Florida DE Jermaine Cunningham, who was arrested Dec. 5 and accused of throwing empty cups at a sandwich shop employee who had asked Cunningham to pay for a $1 bag of potato chips.

According to court records, the State Attorney's Office dropped the charge Wednesday because of "insufficient evidence to sustain a conviction."

As of early Wednesday afternoon, a case remained open against former Florida LB Jon Demps, who is accused of throwing a sandwich at the employee, and former LSU receiver and current world-class sprinter Xavier Carter, who is accused of running from police as they tried to pick up Cunningham and Demps.

While Cunningham won't face discipline from the state of Florida, he still must endure the penalty imposed by Florida coach Urban Meyer. Meyer said that besides any physical punishment Cunningham must endure, he also will not be eligible for any bowl gifts his teammates might receive.

"I heard Jermaine's story," Meyer said. "Jermaine's story bordered on being ridiculous. It was not very smart. It was disrespectful, also. He'll play in the [Capital One Bowl], but he's still paying the price."

FLORIDA SIGNS TWO: The Gators signed a pair of junior college players to national letters-of-intent Wednesday, and Meyer hopes each can earn playing time next season.

WR Carl Moore from Sierra Community College in Cordova, Calif., is a 6-foot-4, 220-pounder ranked a five-star recruit by Rivals.com. Moore chose Florida over Southern California and California.

Florida also signed Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College DT Troy Epps. Epps, a 6-1, 280-pounder, also considered Tennessee and West Virginia.

Meyer said Moore and Epps would enroll in January. The Gators also have 13 high schoolers currently committed.

HOLLIDAY ON WVU: Safeties coach Doc Holliday said his interview Monday for the head coaching job at West Virginia went well, but he said he doesn't know where he stands in relation to the other candidates. Holliday, a former Mountaineers linebacker, also spent 20 years on the WVU staff.

"West Virginia University is a great place. I spent 25 years there as a player and as a coach," Holliday said Wednesday. "There's no doubt it has a special place in my heart. It's a wonderful place to be."

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