Ex-Gator charged

Former Florida Gators star and NFL prospect Caleb Brantley is facing misdemeanor charges that he allegedly punched a woman in the face, knocking her out and dislodging a tooth. According to Alachua County, Fla., court records, the 22-year-old defensive linesman was charged Friday with battery. A Gainesville police affidavit said Brantley and Chelsea Austin were arguing shortly after 2 a.m. April 13 when she pushed him. The affidavit said the 6-foot-3, 300-pound Brantley responded by hitting the 5-foot-6, 120-pound woman in the face. Investigators say the punch far exceeded what was needed for self-defense. They say two witnesses saw the fight. Brantley did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.