Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Meyer outlines plan for Rainey

Urban Meyer and Florida officials have drawn up a contract for wide receiver Chris Rainey that he will have to follow before he has an opportunity to play again this season.


"We put a contract together and he's got to fulfill the obligations in it before he's going to be allowed to play," Meyer said Wednesday.

The obligations include the legal requirements Rainey must meet as part of his deferred prosecution agreement with the State Attorney's Office.

In that agreement, Rainey must stay out of trouble for six months, perform 10 hours of community service and undergo an anger management evaluation and possible counseling.

Meyer revealed some of the obligations Rainey must meet in his contract with UF.

"Chris has a history of opening his mouth and careless things coming out," Meyer said. "This is the first time anything like this. Part of his getting back is correcting that issue. The second part is community service.

"Chris is not a violent person. At times, he's said careless things. We just have to make sure that doesn't happen."

Rainey was arrested Sept. 14 for aggravated stalking after sending a threatening text to his ex-girlfriend telling her it was "time to die." He was suspended from the team immediately.

The charge, a third-degree felony, was reduced to a misdemeanor and Rainey was offered deferred prosecution earlier this month.

Meyer announced Tuesday that Rainey could return to practice Tuesday, but that his full reninstatement would not come until he met certain obligations.

Meyer said he met with UF president Bernie Machen, athletic director Jeremy Foley and other professionals before making the decision to give Rainey a second chance.

"It was constant communication (with Machen and Foley)," Meyer said. "I met with a variety of people involved in the situation, professionals. I just felt it was in the best interest for Chris to be around the team."
Meyer said he did not speak to the victim directly.

"But someone did who relayed back to me her input," Meyer said.

Meyer said Rainey remains on scholarship "for now."

Rainey will not play in Saturday's game against Mississippi State. There is no timetable for when he will be cleared to play again.