GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Sophomore Mo Mitchell, a part-time starter on Florida's offensive line this season, is among three Gator football players who are under suspicion for tearing mirrors off cars Sunday morning.

Complaints have been filed against Mitchell and true freshman Brian Crum and incoming freshman Channing Crowder, who didn't enroll in the fall because of a knee injury but is now in class.

Gainesville police officer Carol Davis took the report from a witness and a sworn complaint was filed, which includes eight misdemeanor charges with a total damage estimate of $1,200, according to the police report.

Mitchell, who was criticized by Florida State players for allegedly trying to hurt them in the Gators' Nov. 30 loss, has a troubled past at UF and his career appears in jeopardy.

Gators coach Ron Zook and athletic director Jeremy Foley both said they would let the Gainesville Police Department investigation run its course before a decision concerning the players is made.

"We're going to sit down with (Mitchell) and find out the truth," Foley said.

All three denied involvement when questioned by Davis. State attorney Bill Cervone would not comment Monday, saying he needed time to study the arrest reports and get details from an investigation.

But Cervone said the incident could get a stronger look since it involved Mitchell, who was already cited last fall by the University Police Department for violating the city's open container law.

"It's a consideration," Cervone said. "I would look at it differently than somebody who was a first offender. (But) I would also look at a prior open container type of violation differently than I would somebody who has created a serious offense."

Mitchell was also arrested by the University Police Department on Sept. 8, along with UF players Sylvester McGrew and Kelvin Kight for having an open container of alcohol. McGrew and Kight also are under 21.

The UPD report stated that Mitchell's car had a half-empty bottle of vodka in the passenger's seat. In September, Mitchell left the team for "personal reasons." He missed the Tennessee game, among others, because of his troubles -- which involved an on-the-field incident with coaches at practice.

Mitchell also had shoulder, ankle and knee problems during the season. After he walked off the field with a few seconds still remaining in the Florida State game, Zook warned him he was close to getting kicked off the team.

Mitchell had considered transferring early in the season, when his problems with the coaching staff first came up. But he decided to stay at UF and complete the year.

In other Gator news, redshirt freshman wide receiver Antoine Sharp, named one of the nation's top 10 wide receiver recruits two years ago by National Bluechips, has decided to transfer.

Originally published Tuesday, January 14, 2003