The Playbook: ESPN - Florida player allegedly used deceased woman's credit card - College Football

The Playbook commentary:

Now this one is sad on so many levels. First, and foremost, why did this young man find it necessary to do what he did? This action speaks of total desparation. Now, yes, with gas prices the way they are, we all would love to be able to catch a break. But, NOT like this....so sad.

What is also sad is how fast the university's team dismissed Hornsby. Severing all ties and any level of responsibility. Now, understanding that this is not the first or second time this young man had been in trouble, and in knowing that, a red flag goes up for me....who takes responsibilty for the previous times? What was done to help him, "see the light" when the first and/or second incident occurred? This is scary because it shows that players are valued only when they are producing key results on the field....nothing is sincere. And, if this is not the case...perception is reality. Time to rethink how you manage players, communicate to the media/public and prioritize your goals.

And, lastly, what is sad is the tragic way two young people died. They can not be forgotten in this....no matter what.

I hope that someone tries to step in and save the life of Mr. Hornsby, while he still has a chance. He should not easily be dismissed...he still has a promising future, maybe not on the field, but in life.

MWPRInsight


Florida player allegedly used deceased woman's credit card
ESPN.com news services

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida Gators safety Jamar Hornsby has been kicked off the team after turning himself in Friday to answer charges he allegedly used the credit card of a woman killed six months ago in an accident that also killed a teammate.

"He is not a part of our program," Florida coach Urban Meyer said in a news release.
Hornsby, a 21-year-old junior, learned Thursday that a judge had issued a warrant for his arrest on charges he used the dead woman's gas card for six months, so he surrendered on charges of credit card theft and fraudulent use of a credit card, lawyer Huntley Johnson said.

Hornsby was released from jail several hours later on his own recognizance.

Hornsby allegedly used a credit card issued to Ashley Slonina, a University of Florida student who died in an October 2007 motorcycle accident that also took the life of Gators walk-on Michael Guilford. It was not known how Hornsby obtained the card.

Alachua County Sheriff's Office spokesman Stephen Maynard said the card was used 33 times in Alachua County and another 37 times in Jacksonville, for $3,000 in charges.

"I would love to hear the explanation for utilizing the card of a deceased person," Maynard said.
Hornsby is accused of using the card starting Oct. 13, 2007, the day after the woman's death, the newspaper said.

Slonina, the girlfriend of another Florida teammate, was apparently getting a ride home from Guilford when his motorcycle struck a curb at high speed near campus early on the morning of Oct. 12.
Hornsby, who has played the last two seasons mostly on special teams, has had two prior off-field problems during his Florida career. He was cited in April 2007 on misdemeanor criminal mischief charges when he caused $750 damage to a car by throwing a man onto the vehicle's hood during a fight.

He also was suspended from playing in last year's game against Georgia for selling his tickets to the game, a violation of NCAA rules.

Guilford, a walk-on defensive back, had earned national attention for playing the role of Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith on the scout team during preparation for the 2007 Bowl Championship Series national title game, which the Gators won 41-14.

Information from ESPN.com college football reporter Mark Schlabach and The Associated Press was used in this report.


ESPN - Florida player allegedly used deceased woman's credit card - College Football