By ANDY STAPLES
The Tampa Tribune

GAINESVILLE — Two University of Florida athletes have been suspended indefinitely after they were arrested Monday night after they bought marijuana from a police informant, according to police reports.

Brandon James, a tailback who is the Florida football team’s top kick returner, and Brandon Powell, a reserve guard on Florida’s basketball team, were arrested by Gainesville police during a reverse sting.

According to the report, Powell arranged a meeting with the informant by telephone. The athletes then met the informant at 1402 NW 39th Drive, where they bought 8 grams of marijuana for $20, according to the report both players were released on their own recognizance from the Alachua County Jail on Tuesday.

The sale was recorded on video and audio. According to the report, James dropped the marijuana when approached by police.

James, a sophomore, averaged 11 yards a punt return and 18 yards a kickoff return as a freshman.

Powell averaged 1.6 points in four minutes a game as a freshman. He made headlines when a CBS camera caught him throwing a punch at the back of a Vanderbilt fan’s head as Vandy fans rushed the court following a win against Florida on Feb. 17.

Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley released a statement Tuesday addressing the arrests.

“We are aware of the situation and understand the severity of its nature,” Foley said in the statement. “This is not something we take lightly. Both coaches have informed me that the players involved have been suspended indefinitely and we will continue to follow the procedures in addressing this.”

Reporter Andy Staples can be reached at (352) 262-3719 or astaples@tampatrib.com.

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