Florida, Miami suspend players before season opener
Suspensions for violating team rules involving four Florida Gators and one member of the Miami Hurricanes were announced Saturday before the night’s highly anticipated season opener between the two state rivals.
No. 8 Florida suspended safety Brad Stewart Jr. and defensive tackle T.J. Slaton, a couple of defensive reserves expected to make an impact this season, along with seldom-used wide receiver Rick Wells and walk-on defensive back Pat Moorer.
“These individuals did not live up to the Gator Standard,” UF coach Dan Mullen said in a news release that announced the suspensions.
Stewart, a junior who started seven games in 11 appearances last season, was considered a co-starter on the depth chart with senior Jeawon Taylor. Stewart totaled 41 tackles, which was third best in the Gators secondary, and two interceptions in 2018. His pick-six clinched a 27-19 win over No. 5 LSU.
Miami suspended sophomore cornerback DJ Ivey, who did not make the trip to Orlando, Fla., for the game. The Miami Herald reported a UM spokesman said Ivey was suspended for a “violation of team rules.” He was replaced in the starting lineup by Al Blades Jr. Ivey made three tackles as a true freshman last year.
