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Florida Gators football: De'Ante Saunders released from team

Sophomore safety had been troubled by discipline issues throughout his career. He's considering a transfer to Louisville.

By Matt Trogdon
Al Messerschmidt

Florida safety De'Ante Saunders has been released from the Gators' football program, according to the Gainesville Sun. The move did not come as a surprise to Saunders, who had been suspended numerous times in 2012 for disciplinary reasons. "It's been a long time coming," Saunders said.

Saunders, a sophomore, missed the first two games of the season for disciplinary reasons, according to the Sun. He was later suspended for a violation of team rules in November. Saunders missed the last two games of the regular season, and Florida coach Will Muschamp had ruled him out for the Sugar Bowl.

Saunders started 7 games this season and had 18 tackles and an interception. Still, he couldn't seem to shake the discipline problems that troubled him throughout his Florida career. Saunders was arrested in 2011 for possession of marijuana. He hopes a new environment will improve his future outlook.

"Nothing against Florida or coach Muschamp, but I just needed a fresh start," Saunders told the Sun. "The top school I'm considering right now is Louisville."

Photographs by cstreet.us, thelastminute, turtlemom nancy , fesek, kthypryn, justinwright, sue_elias, pointnshoot, and scrapstothefuture used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.