UF's Wilson suspended for 2007 season; James for first game

Florida offensive lineman Ronnie Wilson has been suspended for the 2007 season and running back Brandon James is suspended for Florida's opener because of separate off-the-field incidents, The Sun has learned.

James is also facing the possible loss of his scholarship for the fall semester as part of the punishment dealt by UF football coach Urban Meyer, according to sources.

Meyer did not want to comment on any disciplinary actions involving his team.

Wilson is facing misdemeanor charges after allegedly taking a rifle from his trunk and firing it in the air to intimidate a man during a disagreement.

According to a Gainesville police report, Wilson spit on and slapped Francis Fuller during a scuffle at XS nightclub early on the morning of April 5. Fuller then waited for Wilson to leave the club. According to the report, Fuller drove behind Wilson and called 911 to report the incident in the club. After Wilson realized he was being followed, he turned into a parking lot, stopped his car, got out and pulled an AK-47 from the trunk. He then fired a shot into the air, according to the report.

He is facing one count of battery and one count of discharging a firearm in public. Wilson withdrew from school after the spring semester.

Wilson has an arraignment scheduled for July 3 and a pre-trial conference scheduled for Aug. 13.

James was arrested along with Florida basketball player Brandon Powell for buying less than 20 grams of marijuana during a reverse sting by law enforcement.

James played a key role on Florida's 2006 national championship team as the Gators' top punt (11 yards an attempt) and kickoff (18 yards an attempt) returner. Wilson competed for a starting job last preseason before an ankle injury cost him half of his season.

Contact Pat Dooley at 352-374-5053 or dooleyp@gvillesun.com.