News and Public Media for North Central Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Charges Reduced For Florida Freshmen WRs Cleveland, Wells

Florida coach Jim McElwain during 2015 SEC championship game against Alabama. When the teams face off again Saturday, the Gators will be without starter Jordan Sherit, who was injured in the Florida State game. (File/ WUFT News)
Florida coach Jim McElwain during 2015 SEC championship game against Alabama. When the teams face off again Saturday, the Gators will be without starter Jordan Sherit, who was injured in the Florida State game. (File/ WUFT News)

University of Florida freshmen Tyrie Cleveland and Rick Wells are now facing misdemeanor charges for firing BB guns inside a residence hall in July.

State Attorney Bill Cervone said Tuesday that felony charges against Cleveland and Wells were reduced to criminal mischief, a first-degree misdemeanor.

Cervone said each player caused a little less than $1,000 in damage during the incident, prompting the reduction. Both receivers were initially charged by police with causing more than $1,000 in property damage — a third-degree felony — and a second-degree felony for shooting a missile inside an occupied dwelling.

Cervone said the reduced charges are "more reflective of what they were doing."

Coach Jim McElwain suspended Cleveland and Wells for the team's season opener against UMass, but they have rejoined the team and could play in Florida's Southeastern Conference opener against Kentucky on Saturday.

The Associated Press is a wire service to which WUFT News subscribes.