News Summary
Dijon Johnson, a Florida Gators cornerback, faced multiple felony and misdemeanor charges following his arrest on May 2, 2025. The 21-year-old was taken into custody after a traffic stop in Tampa, where a firearm and suspected controlled substances were found in his vehicle. Johnson has been released on an $8,500 bond while the team monitors the legal proceedings. His future with the Gators, especially as he recovers from shoulder surgery, remains uncertain amid these serious allegations.
Tampa – Florida Gators cornerback Dijon Johnson was arrested late on May 2, 2025, facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges. The 21-year-old junior was taken into custody by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office around 11:20 p.m. near East Ybor City, following a traffic stop for failing to fully halt at a stop sign.
Johnson is charged with four offenses: two felonies, including possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony (a second-degree felony) and possession of a controlled substance (a third-degree felony). In addition, he faces two misdemeanors — possession of cannabis weighing less than 20 grams (a first-degree misdemeanor) and resisting an officer without violence (also a first-degree misdemeanor).
After his arrest, he was booked at 1:31 a.m. on May 3 and subsequently released on a surety bond totaling $8,500 on May 4. Judge Thomas N. Palermo of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court established the bond amount.
During the traffic stop, a white powder was discovered in Johnson’s vehicle, which, according to a source, is identified as creatine, a legal supplement. This revelation could potentially lead to the dropping of the charges related to possession of a controlled substance. Additionally, the firearm found in Johnson’s vehicle was reportedly unknown to him and allegedly belonged to another party.
Florida’s head coach Billy Napier has acknowledged the situation regarding Johnson and confirmed that the team will be closely monitoring the ongoing legal processes. The legal troubles come as the Gators prepare for the upcoming season, where Johnson is looking to make an impact on the field after recovering from shoulder surgery that he underwent during the offseason.
In the 2024 season, Johnson played in 13 games for the Gators, starting in five of them. He contributed 27 tackles and defended two passes, including playing a pivotal role in the team’s last four games, all resulting in victories. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 196 pounds, he is recognized as a key player for the Gators and was a highly-regarded recruit from Wharton High School in Tampa, where he was ranked as the No. 12 player in his position nationwide.
The incident raises concerns not only for Johnson’s future on the Gators’ team but also for the program’s image, as it deals with the implications of a player facing serious legal charges. The ongoing case will be watched closely by fans and commentators alike, as both Johnson and the university navigate the situation in the lead-up to the forthcoming football season.
The ramifications of these charges on Johnson’s athletic career, as well as any measures the university may take in response, remain uncertain. As the legal proceedings unfold, updates will be necessary for understanding how this situation impacts Johnson’s standing in the Gators football program and his future in college athletics.
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Florida Gators’ Dijon Johnson Arrested on Multiple Charges
Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel: Florida Gators Football News
- Sports Illustrated: Dijon Johnson Arrested
- AtoZ Sports: Major Blow for Gators
- Wikipedia: Dijon Johnson
- News4Jax: Latest on Dijon Johnson
- Google Search: Dijon Johnson Arrest
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
