Gators' star defensive end charged with DUI

By Rhonda Cook

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Four days before No. 1 Florida plays No. 2 Alabama for the SEC title at the Georgia Dome, Gators’ defensive  star Carlos Dunlap has been charged with DUI.

The 20-year-old defensive end was charged with DUI early Tuesday after he refused to take a breathalyzer test. He is in jail awaiting his first court appearance later in the day.

"We are aware of the incident and are currently gathering more information," coach Urban Meyer said in a statement released by the school.

Meyer was expected to address the situation in more detail after practice Tuesday.

According to reports, Gainesville police officer Robert Rogers came upon Dunlap’s Chrysler stopped at an intersection at 3:25 a.m. The officer found Dunlap  asleep in the  car with the engine running and in gear. Rogers reported he tried to rouse the driver.

“The front windows of the defendant’s vehicle were cracked slightly and officers on the scene were unable to wake the defendant,” according to the police report. “Loud repetitive commands were given to the defendant who would only open his eyes momentarily and nod back off.”

Rogers wrote he reached through the window to unlock the door and then put the car in park and turned off the engine.

The police report noted officers smelled alcohol. They also said Dunlap’s eyes were watery and bloodshot, he couldn’t maintain his balance and he did not do well on a field sobriety test.

Dunlap told officers he was going home from a “gathering.”

Dunlap was named defensive MVP of the last year's BCS national championship game and is projected as a likely first-round NFL draft pick if he decides to leave after this season. Dunlap, a junior from North Charleston, S.C., is tied for the team lead with seven sacks.

Saturday's game at the Georgia Dome is widely considered to be the biggest game of the season so far. The winner will play in the BCS championship game in January.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.