Charges against Cunningham to be dismissed

The Gainesville State Attorney's office has begun proceedings to have the misdemeanor battery charge against starting defensive end Jermaine Cunningham dismissed.

Cunningham was arrested two weeks ago and accused of throwing empty soda cups and a sandwich at an employee at Jimmy John's gourmet sandwich shop in Gainesville in the early morning hours.

But on Wednesday, state attorney Bill Cervone said the alleged victim has testified that Cunningham wasn't involved in the incident, saying Cunningham "didn't do anything.''

Pending charges against former UF linebacker Jonathan Demps and former LSU wide receiver and Olympic hopeful Xavier Carter, who were allegedly involved in the incident, remain.

The decision to drop the charges isn't surprising, since UF coach Urban Meyer said after Tuesday's practice he expected Cunningham to play in the Jan. 1 Capital One Bowl.

Cunningham has started every game this season and is tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks.

Florida coach Urban Meyer said Cunningham is still being punished internally.

"I heard Jermaine’s story and Jermaine’s story bordered on being ridiculous,'' Meyer said. "It was not very smart. We handled it internally and he’ll play in the game, but he’s still paying a price as we speak. Every morning he’s involved in things, there are bowl gifts and things that he won’t have privileges like all the other players.''

Jermaine A. Cunningham

Comments

[Tom]

Any word about death threats for the Jimmy John's victim or business owner? Or, is Cunningham too far down the ladder from Tony Joiner to justify threatening his life?

Note to Jonathan Demps: Sorry young man - your eligibility has expired.

[Coach HERBan Cryer]

nothing to see here ... move along .... we've got it all taken care of
we decided to punish him internally since he's a starter and we have a bowl game

any other offenses will be punishable during the summer time

[Urban Meyer Weiner]

Typical Gaytors....and of course they'll take the "holier than thou" stance as they so often do. As a Michigan man, I've got to commend FSU for their quick action and discipline of players involved in the cheating scandal (and come on, who wouldn't use an exam that the teacher hasn't changed in 7 semesters!!!)....UF though.....this might be a sign of things to come and expect from Weiner mobile.

Go UM

[Urban]

They always drop the charges in G Ville. No accountability for UF. Michigan killed them anyway.

[UFER]

UF = Thugs thugs thugs