UF’s Elam pleads no contest in alcohol case

Posted Sep 20, 2011 by David Jones, Florida Today

Updated Sep 20, 2011 at 09:03 AM

Sophomore safety Matt Elam, the second-leading tackler in the Florida football team, pled no contest to possession of alcohol by a minor on Monday from a July 24 incident. He agreed to pay $291 in court fees, do 12 hours of community service and pay a one-time fee of $40 for six months of supervised probation.

Elam, the state’s top recruit a year ago, was observed by GPD with a plastic cup that was later found to contain cognac. He was held briefly then released on his own recognizance after agreeing to a court appearance.

He had played in all three Gator games this season, collecting 13 tackles including a career-high seven in last Saturday’s 33-23 win against Tennessee.

Elam was also charged with possession of alcohol a year ago after holding a can of Four Loko in a parking lot. He pled no contest and was ordered to pay a $121 fine.