Florida’s Tabor, Lewis return from weeklong suspensions

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida cornerback Jalen Tabor and tight end C’yontai Lewis have rejoined the team after a weeklong suspension.

Coach Jim McElwain suspended both players for fighting in practice, saying neither will play in No. 25 Florida’s opener against UMass next week.

McElwain said Thursday that both have resumed team activities and would return to practice later in the day.

“We talked about it as a family and our expectations, (and) off we go,” McElwain said.

While Tabor and Lewis have clarity in their situation, the status of three others is up in the air.

Standout receiver Antonio Callaway hasn’t been fully reinstated from his suspension following a sexual assault allegation.

“We’re still working through some things,” McElwain said.

Callaway was suspended in January for violating the university’s code of conduct policy and forced to take classes online. The accuser did not go to police. Instead, she reported the incident to the university’s office of student affairs. Callaway was partially reinstated in June, allowed to return to campus and work out with teammates.

A university hearing officer cleared Callaway of sexual assault on Aug. 12, saying Callaway was not responsible based on a preponderance of evidence. The accuser, her attorney and witnesses boycotted the hearing, saying the hearing officer was biased because of his financial contributions to the Gators. The accuser has until Friday to appeal, which could be the reason for the delay in determining Callaway’s status.

Freshmen receivers Tyrie Cleveland and Rick Wells are facing felony charges for allegedly firing BB guns into a residential hall last month. They are likely to get deferred prosecution as first-time offenders and serve community service, but their status for the opener remains uncertain.

Cleveland and Wells have practiced with the Gators despite the felony charges, although both have been slowed recently by hamstring injuries.

“Those two guys are obviously going through some things and dealing with some things, but they’ll be back,” McElwain said.

On the injury front, McElwain revealed Thursday that receiver C.J. Worton has a “dreaded” high-ankle sprain. Considered a key part of the offense, Worton has missed two weeks and might not be ready by the opener.

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AP college football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org