Chris Rainey’s charges were reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.
Suspended Gator WR Chris Rainey has dodged the proverbial bullet today as long as he stays out of trouble for 6 months, performs 10 hours of community service, and undergoes an anger management evaluation. The stud receiver will no longer face felony charges for sending threatening text messages to his ex-girlfriend. Rather, he has agreed to a deferral to a misdemeanor charge. The Gainesville state attorney Bill Cervone believes there was no imminent danger to the victim making a misdemeanor charge more viable than a felony stalking charge.
The victim defended Cervone’s statements by saying she never actually felt threatened by Rainey’s text messages but more annoyed. She openly stated that she does not want to press any charges. Since Rainey has no criminal history, he will be treated as a first time offender and is thus eligible for the state’s diversion program.
As for Rainey’s football status, he remains suspended from all team activities but Coach Meyer is leaving the doors wide open, “He’s definitely out this week.” Florida nation will not see Rainey this Saturday when Florida faces top ranked Alabama in a much anticipated SEC showdown, but don’t be surprised if you see the Lakeland native back on the field before the season’s end.
Like the title says, it’s good to be Chris Rainey.
