Twitter users are blasting Sen. Marco Rubio for praising University of Florida quarterback Treon Harris days before he was suspended from the team amid accusations of sexual assault.
Mr. Rubio tweeted Saturday that he was “proud of but not surprised” by Mr. Harris leading the Gators to a 10-9 win over the University of Tennessee.
“This young man is a winner both on and off the field,” Mr. Rubio wrote.
Mr. Rubio, who is considering a presidential run in 2016, tweeted directly at Mr. Harris, who played for Booker T. Washington High in Miami, saying he was proud of him “not just as a player but as a humble and hardworking young man. Everyone down in Miami is rooting and praying for you.”
Mr. Harris was suspended indefinitely Monday after athletic department officials released a statement saying he had been accused of sexually assaulting a female student on campus early Sunday morning.
The University of Florida Police Department is investigating the incident and the Gainesville Police Department is assisting with collection and analysis of forensic evidence.
Mr. Harris has since deleted his Twitter account, but Mr. Rubio’s tweets remain.
One user responded to Mr. Rubio’s public tweet by advising him not to publicly support athletes in the future.
“I wouldn’t attach yourself to an athlete Mr. Rubio!! Now when/if he mucks up… you’re attached to him! #NotSmart”
• Kellan Howell can be reached at khowell@washingtontimes.com.
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