Florida football starting cornerback Dijon Johnson was arrested on May 2 in Tampa, facing four serious charges, including felony possession of a controlled substance, possession of cannabis under 20 grams, resisting arrest without violence, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s website reports that Johnson was apprehended by Tampa Police during a traffic stop after he failed to stop at a stop sign. Upon approaching Johnson’s vehicle, officers detected a strong smell of marijuana. Despite repeated requests to exit the vehicle, he initially refused but was eventually removed from the car and taken into custody. A search of the vehicle revealed marijuana and 8 grams of synthetic marijuana in a backpack, both of which tested positive upon field tests. Additionally, a loaded Glock 19 handgun was discovered in the trunk of the vehicle.
Johnson, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 196 pounds, played in all 13 games for the Florida Gators as a sophomore last season, starting five. He recorded 25 tackles, along with 2 pass breakups, a quarterback hurry, and a tackle for loss. He had recently undergone surgery for a torn labrum in his shoulder and was limited in spring drills, missing the Orange and Blue Spring game last month.
A spokesperson for the University of Florida acknowledged awareness of the situation involving Johnson, stating they would continue to gather information and cooperate with the legal and administrative processes.
Given the circumstances, it is crucial for individuals in positions of influence, such as athletes, to set a positive example and navigate challenges effectively. Hopefully, Johnson will use this experience as an opportunity for growth and make responsible decisions moving forward.