A February DUI arrest cost him his football scholarship, a five-game suspension and the embarrassment of a public judicial process.
Yet Britton Colquitt said he wouldn’t rewind the clock and change anything.
“God’s teaching me a big lesson, what to prioritize in my life, and I’ve leaned a lot from this,’’ Colquitt said Monday after pleading guilty to DUI in Sessions Court.
“I wouldn’t go back and change it if I could. It’s made me somebody I need to be in the future.’’
Colquitt, 23, Tennessee’ All-SEC senior punter, was charged on Feb. 17 with DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.
The charge was amended to first-offense DUI and Colquitt received the standard penalty:
A suspended sentence of 11 months, 29 days; suspended driver’s license for one year; $350 fine and court costs; 24-hour detention and 24-hour litter pickup; attend DUI school.
“I’ve been through a lot because of myself, the actions I’ve made and the decisions I’ve made,’’ Colquitt said. “I just wanted to get it over with and take my punishment and not try to fight it.
“Just learn from my mistakes, move on and make me a better person.’’
Factoring in a series of alcohol-related incidents in September 2003 when Colquitt was an incoming freshman, coach Phillip Fulmer in February revoked Colquitt’s scholarship and suspended him the first five games of the 2008 season.
He will suit up starting with the Oct. 11 game at Georgia.
“It’s tough,’’ Colquitt said. “You realize what you’re missing.
“I know when the season comes around and I’m having to watch five games, I’ll really appreciate those last seven. Just being able to take the field will be a lot more of an honor. I took it for granted before.’’
Until the February arrest, Colquitt had been trouble-free for more than four years since the incidents in 2003 when he was 18.
At that time he was charged with underage consumption and later with DUI. The DUI charge was dismissed in August, 2004. Colquitt received judicial diversion on the lesser charges, performed community service and attended Alcoholics Anonymous classes. By avoiding further trouble, his record was expunged.
Colquitt said Monday he regrets that wasn’t the end of his drinking issues.
“I kind of got lost again in my ways, in the things I was focusing on in my life,’’ he said, “and it led me back into kind of the same thing.’’
Colquitt, the fourth member of his family to punt for UT, is considered an NFL prospect and will have at least seven games to re-establish his credentials.
Brother Dustin punts for Kansas City. His father, Craig, won Super Bowl rings with Pittsburgh.
Colquitt requested Monday to report Friday morning to serve the remainder of his 24-hour detention. He is credited with 10 hours following his arrest.
He returns to Sessions Court on Aug. 11 to check progress on his probation.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 108
Ironcity writes:
I thought he had five incidents according to the Journal. This looks like Three. Two of which occured prior to being on scholarship at UT. I don't want to downplay the seriousness of what he has done, however it appears to me that the Journal found it necessary to make it look worse then it already is.
This was a bad act that deserves the punishment he is getting. By misrepresenting it, it sure makes the Journal appear to have an agenda.
volnbig11land writes:
You're right ironcity, the journal always seems to have an agenda with the hometown team and johnny adams is the ring leader. Funny, they have kept him pretty quite since his article calling for CPF's job...
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Way to man up, young fellow. Move on and be a better person.
All of us walk thru the fire at some time.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
yawn
99gator writes:
nothing helps people find God like the criminal justice system.
golfballs03 writes:
What a joke. He should be flipping burgers.
99gator writes:
before people kill me for my comment at 2:34.....
i just can't stand people claiming they have found god, or were given a message from god, or anything religious without something to back up that claim.
too many times, people will say that god gave them a lesson, saved them, changed them, etc.....then a year later something else happens.
i would rather colquitt (or anyone else) go 10 years or what have you, without incident.....then point to the period of time where they were changed by the influence of god.
i just would like some action before claims of being touched by god. too many people giving glory to god.....without giving glory to god.
i'm also tired of people referring to arrests as "mistakes".
sorry to deviate from football.
mtnsvol44 writes:
Its strange how they all find "God" after being slapped by the criminal justice system. You would think even the dumbest would wake up and go straight after the first slap?
GreerVol22 writes:
99 gator, preach on it! I feels the the Lord stirring inside me .......wait....nope.....ahhhh....just methane.
GerryOP writes:
Good news. Hope this is the final lesson.
TommyJack writes:
golfballs: Why is that?
AlpharettaVol writes:
What's this talk about the Journal? I thought it was the News-Sentinel. Did I miss something?
Brama writes:
Last Chance Colquitt, your next stop you will be in the real world working an 8-5 job.
TommyJack writes:
Some of you guys show no grace. Should the judge have given him 20 to life? Good grief.
tigervol9802 writes:
99 -
In Colquitt's defense, he had become very active with some Christian organizations on campus during his time at UT after the original incidents and apparently was very involved with either FCA or AIA (I forget which). Don't know what was going on personally when this happened or any of that, but I don't believe this wasn't a Paris Hilton-esque statement and that it was genuine.
But, I know where you are coming from and agree 100%.
All that said, it still doesn't change my stance on how Fulmer handled the situation.
DennisVols writes:
Sometimes you have to hit the bottom before you can start your way back up.
imw8n4u writes:
agree with 99 - God has nothing to do with this. In fact, he's never in Tennessee this time of year (too hot).
Ironcity writes:
Your right Alpharetta its the Sentinel. It must be from all my time down here in the Atl.
LadyVolsEighTimes writes:
99Gator nothing wrong about your 2:34 Post, surely GOd can be found somewhere besides Holding Cells and Drunk Tanks.
State of Tennessee says that more than ten years must seperate DUIs for both to be considered first offenses. Britton has now benefited from both being plead down.
And Britton has had a license and has been driving around every sense he was arrested for this incident. 3000 to 6000 pounds of rolling steel, alcohol, and a young person set on partying is not a good combination.
For those that will accuse me of wanting blood from Briton, I don't care about him, or this incident with him involved. If you drive on the Campus and are stopped and charged with DUI or any other Alcohol related incident while operating a Motor Vehicle, you should be dismissed from the University. At best possibly not be able to ever operate a car on the Campus again.
Does anyone think it is OKay to Drink and Drive in this Country? Does anyone in the State of Tennessee not know that they can't drink under age 21? Not if they have a Drivers License issued in Tennessee, and I wouild venture any other state in the US.
UT and the Court system need to send a strong message to all students on this matter. It is far better to send that message to students, as send students to Funerals.
I wonder what message GOd will be sending to the Student that gets run over, maimed or killed by a drunk on Campus?
Surely God will meet them at teh Pearly Gates and thank them for being a,"Great Training Aid in sending a Message to a Drunk Driver". Can ya see the Tombstone? "God so loved me that he let me be killed so the Team Punter could learn a lesson,,hopefully"
CatScratchFever writes:
He should not be allowed on the team. Too many young men sacrifice so much of their lives to be a part of such a proud tradition. He does not deserve to wear the uniform.
auttat writes:
One could only hope that ladyvols8x's has never driven under the influence, or ridden with seatbelt unbuckled, or gone 1 mile over the speed limit. They are all against the law and according to God, no sin is of any less magnitude than another.
She is probably the lady doing 60 in the fast lane because she is too busy talking on her cell phone.
auttat writes:
Good read from Chris Low.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sec?lpos=s...
tngeoff, so true.
TommyJack writes:
Lady8: Are you estrogen deprived? Always thought you were a sane poster in the past.
tdforvols writes:
Seem's like some of you posters don't have any faith in either God or the Vols. He did the crime, admitted it, and will now do the time/punishment. Nobody's perfect; Let's move on ...
GerryOP writes:
John 8:7
orangebloodgmc writes:
What's wrong with flippin burgers? I flipped burgers and look how I turned out.
Meanwhile, two words for Britton: iced tea.
BSweet writes:
I really hope Britton is sincere in changing his ways. I still believe the Colquitt name is the difference between him just losing his scholarship and being kicked off the team outright. Sjt, he escaped without getting himself or someone else killed, so yeah, I think a 5 game suspension and losing his scholarship is getting off easy. Ask Leonard Little if you disagree. 99, I know what you are saying. It's easy to find God when you screw up and want people to forgive you. Like I said, I just hope Britton is sincere in his claims.
TommyJack writes:
I, nor anyone on this board, knows what's in the kid's heart. With that in mind, I suggest laying off him and his references to God. The sharks are circling.
vtvol#210290 writes:
I don't know if God is truly teaching Colquitt a lesson but Phil damn sure is.
SmokeDog72 writes:
I am glad that all of you out for Colquitt's scalp did no wrong during your time on The Hill. Personally, I think all of these kids that break rules do have some growing up to do, but they are not perfect. While I know (and knew when I was younger) that drinking and driving is wrong, there were a few times when I was a coed that I drank and drove (I know I drank, I don't know if you could call what I did driving). But, I grew up. I took on responsibility. Colquitt has learned somewhat already (stayed clean for four years). I am pretty confident that this episode will speed up that growing up process a little more. We don't all learn through one or two events. Sometimes it takes more frequent examples of what happens when you do wrong. I wish him the best and feel that Fulmer has handled this incident pretty well.
TommyJack writes:
SmokeDog: You were a coed? Who knew?
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
I never did any wrong on The Hill or at least wasn't dumb enough to get caught. I loved the short drive back from OCI to fraternity row. OCI poured the stiffest drinks and your bill would be no more than 20 bucks. Then right before 3:00 (when beer sales were cut off) we'd go get a 12 pack of bottles, drive the half mile or so without managing to hit parked cars somehow and then proceeded to drink some more. After we finished the beers, we would throw the beer bottles down the back stairwell or in someone's room who wasn't there. It was alot of fun and never got old.
RJ_Vol writes:
I Cor 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. (NIV)
I Cor 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness." (NIV)
Romans 3:23 ...for all have fallen short of the glory of God... (NIV)
I have no idea how God is working in Britton's life. Though I spout a lot of stuff about UT football, I cannot know the mind or doings of the Lord. All I know is that God knows what he is doing, and most times I don't understand how or why he does things. I think DUI's are terrible, because of the potential harm inflicted by such actions. However, we all need His grace for whatever reason. We all have done things to harm others - intentionally or unintentionally. Though God's plans don't make sense to us sometimes(most of the time), they make sense to Him. And that's all that counts.
RJ_Vol writes:
edit: "...whatever reason" to "many reasons".
pabashia#208095 writes:
God for him being able to game the system into a first-offense charge. But there's absolutely no way he should be a member of the Tennessee football squad, and that falls squarely on the shoulders of one large coach.
The acceptance of DUI in the athletics community and particularly UT is disgusting.
I wonder if Britton had killed someone as a result of his recklessness if he would still be on the team.
Ironcity writes:
Lady Vols I find it ironic that you don't believe in due process. At least say that if convicted you should kicked off instead of charged or stopped. I have been stopped at road blocks, does that make me an offender? I do believe you should be able to drive if you have had a drink but are not drunk (which each state has determined). I think anyone who sits there and believes that they have never made a mistake nor ever will is imminently more dangerous then the person who has and acknowledges it.
movol77 writes:
99gator, i'm tired of people looking for a few users of "god's" name to bash all who use the name. Leave the kid alone! Ur not God so don't assume to know what's in his heart and mind. He doesn't need your sermon. He needs encouragement.
marinevol writes:
Smoky 23:16 Thou shalt not utilize a Vols web site as a forum for thine religious beliefs, for such is an abomination unto the vol nation. Cursed be the one who shall maketh such utterances in my name. For such a heathen, it would have been better for the fleas of a thousand UGAs to infest thine crotch than to violate this commandment.
LadyVolsEighTimes writes:
Oh I'vemade my mistakes, and will make more. However Age and the wisdom gained after nine years od working as a Therapist in a Substance Abuse Rehab really brings out the best and worst in the thought process.
Ironcity, I must not be the only one that doesn't believe in due process. The state of Tennessee is about to enact legislation that will remove your driving priveledge as soon as you are charged. Just as many states already have. IT seems this cuts down on repeat offenders prior to trial, and results in fewer alcohol related traffic accidents. Also cuts down all the postponements at trial. I have nothing against Briton, he is just another alcohol abusive student at UT. However it does seem he, who has so much to lose, doesn't have the sense to not get caught.
Briton has the financial backing that negates his loseing his scholarship, probably well over 50% of the players would have to have left UT if they had lost their Scholly.
And thank those of you that are so concerned about me!!!! My Estrogen is well regulated thanks to the to the "Patch", I don't take or make cell phone calls while driving, and if you are in the fast lane running 60 mph, I'm the big Bumper and Grill in your Rear view mirror that proabaly seems much closer than you would like.
GO VOLSSSSSSSSSSS!
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
Colquitt,
Do something. Then we'll talk about God.
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
movol77,
He needs to quit drinking and leaving scenes. When he does that and straightens up, then like someone said, then he can talk about his turning point towards God.
This thing just reeks of a PR move to the capture the hearts of Vol fans.
Fact- Colquitt got in his car drunk, hit a car and left the scene.
Volfan1 writes:
For those of you who haven't looked up John 8:7, let me pass it along to you: "...He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone..."
This site won't be used for religious beliefs as long as no one slams the God who gives grace far beyond what any of us can give, or slam people who are trying to follow His Word. If someone does, then expect a reply.
If Colquitt is learning (in the present) a lesson, the fruit of it will be produced in the future, not the past. So, give his statement of "God's teaching me a big lesson" a chance to bear fruit and show a change.
"Jail house" religion is a sham for some...but there are too many examples of it also being a reality that you can't discount that it does happen, if you choose to not be a cynic about life.
Amen. Now, let's all go home and get a Sunday dinner....fried chicken, biscuits, potatoes & gravy, green beans, creamed corn, & peach cobbler, swallowed down with some sweet iced tea. Yum Yum.
ThurmondEppy writes:
Hang in there Britton. Many of us are pulling for you.
GerryOP writes:
Hmmm, LadyVolsEighTimes @ 7:18 p.m., "... I have nothing against Briton (Actually it is Britton), he is just another alcohol abusive student..."
If you are indeed "... a Therapist (Do you have a PhD?) in a Substance Abuse Rehab ..." program, be careful about passing judgement and making public your judgement. I assume you are aware of professional ethics?
Just a suggestion.
BTW, it's time for a new patch!
wartburgvol writes:
The only thing that will teach him a lesson is to be kicked off the team which should have happened even before this incident.
orangebloodgmc writes:
What do you all want him to say, "Yeah I did it and I'm not sorry, so (beep) you all" ?
p.s. "I might transfer to Florida where the fans truly have your back and will make death threats on your behalf until the charges are dropped."
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
Volfan1,
You know everyone doesn't believe in God.
GerryOP writes:
BTW, LadyVolsEighTimes, is that patch dispensing estrogen or testosterone? Just curious.... I know there are many of "you" who want to be one of "us."
Wow, it just dawned on me! You could be one of "us" who wants to be one of "them." Wow! Interesting! Maybe that patch IS estrogen?
marinevol writes:
verily, verily, Volster. But, I've always believed that if he's out there, he must have a sense of humor. Just look some of the people (Nick Saban) he put here.
GodLovesUT writes:
This is GOD. I will be handling all of the Vols problems today. I will not need your help. So just sit back and relax.
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