Urban Meyer will have a tough decision to make about OL Carl Johnson whenever Meyer returns from his trip out of the country.
Johnson, 21, was arrested Monday afternoon for violating a temporary injunction for protection against sexual violence.
If Johnson were Jacques Rickerson, a little-used cornerback, or Cameron Newton, a back-up quarterback, he would be kicked off the team, no questions asked. Rickerson and Newton were each arrested during the 2008 season, and both were dealt with swiftly.
But the Gators are counting on Johnson to play a big role in 2009. He started eight games last year at left guard, and now is a front-runner for one of the two vacant offensive tackle positions.
Can Meyer afford to take a tough stand with one of his most talented linemen? Is a tough stand even the right way to go?
The legal system has hardly run its course in this case. There is still plenty to come out.
The charges sound bad, but this is a tricky case. Not all restraining orders are created equal. This was a temporary one, issued on Feb. 9 without Johnson’s presence required. For a permanent, more serious restraining order, Johnson would have been required to attend and have the opportunity to present his side of the story.
A woman filed for the temporary injunction on Feb. 9, and Johnson and the woman were due in court on Feb. 24 to present their cases. Instead, Johnson violated the order one week after it was issued.
And there is more to this case. The woman, a UF student, is Johnson’s ex-girlfriend. Johnson is currently dating another woman. And it cost the petitioner just $11 to file for the temporary injunction.
So if you are Meyer, how would you deal with Johnson?
If convicted of a first-degree misdemeanor, as charged, should he be kicked off the team? If the charges are lessened, should he be suspended, and how long?
Do you go easy on Johnson, because you need him protecting Tim Tebow next fall?
Or do you set an example — everyone is responsible for their actions, even a starting offensive tackle?
