Florida’s Chris Rainey Returns To Practice, Could Play This Season

Almost a month after being arrested on stalking charges, Florida receiver Chris Rainey is back to practicing with the team.

Florida coach Urban Meyer issued a statement Tuesday saying that Rainey has returned to practice, will not play against Mississippi State this weekend, and may play later this season.

“Chris Rainey is working towards being part of our football team again,” Meyer said. “I’m disappointed that he violated a core value of our program, but he continues to pay a price for his actions. Chris will have to meet a set of conditions to become a part of our team again and although he is practicing, he will not play this weekend. The timetable for his return will depend on his ability to follow the guidelines we have laid out for him.”Rainey was originally arrested on a felony charge, but it was later reduced to a misdemeanor.

Those who thought Rainey was done for good at Florida underrated Meyer’s capacity for leniency, or mercy, or whatever term makes the incensed writing about criminal football players pop on that day. But Meyer has dealt with tragedy with in the wake of dismissing a troubled player, and has had success with rehabbing one.

It remains to be seen which category Rainey will fall into.