Law aimed at punishing Trump protesters being used against UF fans who ran onto football field - Creative Loafing Tampa
Four exuberant football fans who rushed the field after the University of Florida’s upset win over Texas are facing first-of-their-kind, felony trespass charges under a new law a Republican senator said was intended to punish protesters of President Donald Trump during his appearances in the state.Lawmakers in Tallahassee said they never intended the new law to be used against fans storming football fields after a huge victory. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it in May.
And famed former UF head coach Steve Spurrier said in a new interview he thinks such fan actions at college games energize players and make a lifetime memory for students.
Two UF students and two older men were handcuffed and arrested Oct. 4 after police said they ran onto Steve Spurrier-Florida Field after the team’s 29-21 victory over the then-No. 9 Longhorns. It was a rare moment of exhilaration so far this season for UF, whose record fell to 2-4 after Saturday’s loss to No. 5 Texas A&M.
A review of statewide criminal records across Florida shows that the felony charges recommended by law enforcement in their cases would be the first filed under the new law, which took effect May 16. It bans anyone from entering an area secured by law enforcement or a large, ticketed sports or entertainment event without a ticket – with penalties up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Such cases were previously handled as misdemeanors. The new law, which two Democratic state lawmakers voted against, puts running past police onto a football field after a big game on the same criminal level as aggravated assault, bribery, drug possession or child abuse.