http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070612/BREAKINGNEWS/70612058/1086

2 UF athletes arrested on pot charges

BY LINDSAY JONES
THE PALM BEACH POST

GAINESVILLE — Sophomore running back Brandon James and sophomore guard Brandon Powell -- both minor contributors to the Gators' football and basketball national championship teams last season -- were arrested Monday on felony marijuana charges.

James and Powell have been charged with purchasing marijuana and possession of marijuana less than 20 grams. The purchasing charge is a felony and the possession charge is a misdemeanor, according to officials at the Alachua County Jail.

Both had their first appearance before a judge and will be released today.

James played little as running back last year, but contributed on special teams as a punt returner. He returned a punt 77 yards for a touchdown against Western Carolina.

Powell, who averaged four minutes and 1.6 points a game last season, made news in February when he was caught on video punching a Vanderbilt fan in the head as Vandy students rushed the court following a win against Florida. Powell was not punished in the incident.

James is just the latest in a string of football player arrests this spring. The most serious incident involved offensive lineman Ronnie Wilson, who faces felony charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly firing a semiautomatic rifle into the air after an argument in early April.

Misdemeanor affray charges have been dropped against linebacker Dustin Doe, who was arrested following a fight in a club parking lot April 1.