Florida star defensive end Carlos Dunlap arrested for DUI

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap was arrested early Tuesday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence, leaving his availability in question for Saturday's SEC championship game against Alabama.

Gainesville police spokesman Keith Kameg said officers saw a red 2000 Chrysler stopped at a green light at about 3:25 a.m. on a street near the Florida campus. Officers watched several light cycles before approaching the car. Inside the car, they found the 6-foot-6, 290-pound Dunlap slumped behind the wheel. The driver appeared to be asleep, Kameg said. The vehicle was on and in gear.

According to Kameg, the arresting officer reported Dunlap performed poorly on a field sobriety test and refused to submit to a breath test. He was arrested and transported to the Alachua County Jail.

Losing Dunlap, the Gator's sack leader, would be a serious blow to Florida's defense going into a game against the second-ranked Crimson Tide. Dunlap, who was named the most outstanding player in last years BCS title game, is tied with Jermaine Cunningham for the team lead with seven sacks. Because of his height and leaping ability, Dunlap also plays a key role on Florida's field-goal block unit.

Florida released a statement from Gators coach Urban Meyer that said: "We are aware of the incident and are currently gathering more information." Meyer isn't expected to address Dunlap's arrest again until after Tuesday's practice.