Gator Pleads No Contest to Marijuana
David Jones
August 6, 2007
Florida Today
GAINESVILLE — Florida sophomore Brandon James, a key part of the Gators' national title run a year ago primarily as a kick returner, pled no contest to possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana on Monday.
He was given 10 hours of community service for the misdemeanor and must pay $226 in court costs. If James does not pay the court costs, he must do another 23 hours community.
James and basketball player Brandon Powell, who has since left the program, were arrested by Gainesville police in early June after trying to buy marijuana from an informant.
James is suspended from the Sept. 1 season opener against Western Kentucky.
A year ago, the 5-foot-6 James was named a freshman All-American by Rivals.com and was named to the Coaches' Freshman All-SEC team, averaging 11.0 yards per punt return and 18.2 per kickoff.
He set a school record with 155 yards on six punt returns against Western Carolina, including a 77-yarder for a touchdown. It was the first return for a score since the 2000 season. James, expected to play a more expanded role as a running back this fall, returned four punts for 28 yards and had a 33-yard kickoff return the first time he touched the ball in UF's 41-14 win against Ohio State in the national championship game. | 
