Sep 12, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Jalen Tabor (31) intercepts the ball and runs it back for a touchdown against the East Carolina Pirates during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the East Carolina Pirates 31-24. Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
First-team All-Southeastern Conference cornerback Jalen Tabor was suspended for the season opener against UMass for “behavior that is not acceptable” along with tight end C’yontai Lewis.
Tabor, currently the No. 1-ranked cornerback in the 2018 NFL Draft according to NFLDraftScout.com, had claimed a previous suspension opened his eyes and Florida was using him to mentor Tyrie Cleveland, who was involved in BB gun incident.
“Both C’yontai and Jalen will not be involved with the team or practice due to behavior that is not acceptable,” Florida coach Jim McElwain said. “By no means are these bad guys and yet consequences have been handed down. We will not look the other way when it comes to breaking of team policies. I want to echo what I said earlier, these are both fine young men who will learn and be stronger from their actions. They will also be suspended for the first game. There are life lessons in everything we do. We will be better because of it and no one person is bigger than the Florida Gators.”
Tabor was cited for marijuana possession in May of 2015. He served a one-game suspension last season for reportedly refusing to take a drug test.
Without Tabor, Florida should be strong again, returning six other defensive starters from a unit that ranked fourth in the SEC in scoring defense (18.3 ppg allowed) and total defense (310.2 ypg allowed).
