Florida’s Mullen disappointed by team’s recent legal troubles
TAMPA, FLA. >> Florida coach Dan Mullen’s strong, personal beliefs about violence toward women haven’t resulted in a zero-tolerance policy for his program.
Although Mullen expressed disappointment in having two players and a staff member accused of violence toward women in the past month, he acknowledged Wednesday that he’d “be hypocritical if you look at my history to say to that is a 100% deal.”
Mullen’s past experiences explain why safety Brian Edwards and Otis Yelverton, an assistant director of player personnel, remain part of the program.
“Obviously, anybody that knows me, I like to take an extremely strong stance on that,” Mullen said before a stop on his annual booster tour. “I don’t see anything acceptable about that, any violence against women, whether it’s a violent act or a wrongful sexual act toward women. But I also like to have all the information before making final decisions.”
Edwards was accused last week of grabbing his girlfriend of two years by her neck as she attempted to leave their apartment.
Yelverton, 51, was arrested April 23 on a cyberstalking threat, according to court records. Police said Yelverton threatened to blow up his ex-girlfriend’s car on a voicemail and either called, texted or messaged on Facebook 40 times after their breakup. Yelverton was placed on administrative leave. Edwards is taking classes at Florida, but has been suspended from team activities.
“I’ve had players in the past who had certain situations that I’ve given a second opportunity to,” Mullen said, citing former Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
Florida quarterback Jalon Jones also was accused of sexual battery twice in a 30-minute window on April 6. The freshman has since withdrawn from school and intends to transfer.
Chris Steele, the top-rated recruit in Mullen’s most recent signing class, and fellow cornerback Jaydon Hill were named in police reports as witnesses. They were Jones’ roommates.
Steele, who reportedly asked to switch to a different dormitory before the incident, left school last month and has since announced plans to transfer to Oregon.