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UF Dealing With 2nd Off-Field Incident

Tribune photo by COLIN HACKLEY

Florida coach Urban Meyer talks to a referee during first half action against Georgia.

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Karl Hyppolite

Published: November 4, 2008

Gainesville, FL - After making it through half the season without any off-the-field incidents, the Gators suddenly have two on their hands.

Junior OL Ronnie Wilson was charged with misdemeanor battery and assault charges on Oct. 5 after the Gators returned from a 38-7 victory against Arkansas.

Wilson reportedly struck two victims at a Gainesville apartment complex.

Coach Urban Meyer confirmed last week that Wilson had been released from the team, but would only say that "he had some business to take care of."

Sophomore S Jacques Rickerson also has been released from the team after being charged with domestic battery by strangulation.

Meyer said Rickerson's suspension would have no impact on the secondary, but did admit he was disappointed by Rickerson's actions.

"Jacques Rickerson is no longer part of our team — that is not what our program is about," Meyer said in a statement. "My focus and our team's focus is with the players who are part of the program and preparing for the Vanderbilt game."

PLAYING WITH INJURY: Playing through pain is something QB Tim Tebow has done several times throughout his career. The junior will be doing that again this weekend as he attempts to lead the Gators to a victory — and SEC title game berth — against Vanderbilt this weekend.

"Playing with pain is different than playing with injuries," Tebow said.

"You've got to get used to playing with pain because that's just part of football and that's stuff that's happened since high school."

YOUTHFUL SECONDARY: Entering the season many wondered if the Gators' secondary would keep them from improving on a four-loss season.

After eight games, the talk is now shifting to the potential of the defense.

With all four starters being sophomores or juniors, the secondary has a chance to be a dominant group for a long time.

"All of us have at least two years left," CB Joe Haden said. "If we keep this up, we're looking at being the best secondary in the nation."

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