UM's Semerene Arrested For DUI, Dismissed From Team
University of Miami kicker Jon Semerene has been dismissed from the team following his arrest in Coral Gables Friday morning for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving under the influence/damage to property or person.
According to a police report obtained by The Miami Herald, Semerene was arrested at 9:21 a.m. after he crashed into a car stopped at a red light. The report also stated that Semerene "appeared agitated and extremely talkative about the events of the crash'' and had "difficulty standing and "stumbled and staggered'' when walking away.
The arresting officer also wrote in his report that he could "smell a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage" on Semerene.
Semerene, 20, was entering his junior year after originally joining the Hurricanes as a walk-on from Cypress Bay High School. He appeared in all 13 games for the Canes this past season, primarily handling kickoffs – 64 kicks with 26 touchbacks including multiple kickoffs out of bounds.
Miami head coach Mark Richt was swift in his decision to dismiss Semerene.
"After consulting with Director of Athletics Blake James, I have decided to dismiss Jon Semerene from our football team for conduct detrimental to the team and to others," Richt said. "We expect all of our student-athletes to represent our university and The U family in a first-class and safe manner. While he is no longer part of our program, we will do all we can to help him as he moves forward in his life."
Semerene's dismissal does little to derail's UM's special team group. Junior Michael Badgley returns as the incumbent place kicker and senior Justin Vogel will be the team's punter this coming season. Sophomore Marco Baeza is also on the roster.