After a four-week suspension following his aggravated stalking arrest, the University of Florida football program announced Tuesday that junior receiver Chris Rainey has been allowed to rejoin the team.
In a statement from the University Athletic Association, Coach Urban Meyer said that even though Rainey is practicing, he has not been fully reinstated and must meet unspecified guidelines before he'll be allowed to play again.
Rainey will not play against Mississippi State on Saturday.
"Chris Rainey is working towards being part of our football team again," Meyer said in a UAA statement. "I'm disappointed that he violated a core value of our program, but he continues to pay a price for his actions.
Chris will have to meet a set of conditions to become a part of our team again and although he is practicing, he will not play this weekend. The timetable for his return will depend on his ability to follow the guidelines we have laid out for him."
In a statement from the UAA, Rainey apologized for his actions.
"I am embarrassed and sorry for my actions and I apologize to everyone that I affected by my behavior," Rainey said. "I'm working towards being a part of the Florida football program again and I realize that representing this University is a privilege. I have spent the last several weeks reflecting on my actions and realized that is not who I want to be."
Rainey was arrested on Sept. 14 for aggravated stalking, a third-degree felony, after sending a text message that said "Time to Die (expletive)" to a woman he dated. He was suspended from the team following his arrest.
The charge was later dropped to a misdemeanor and Rainey will not face prosecution if he follows the terms of his deferred prosecution. Rainey must stay out of trouble with the law for six months, perform 10 hours of community service and undergo an anger-management evaluation and possible counseling, under an agreement reached with State Attorney Bill Cervone late last month.
Rainey played in the Gators' first two games of the season, compiling 6 receptions for 34 yards and 16 yards rushing on four carries.
