In a stunning development, Florida State University’s star safety Shyheim Brown has found himself in hot water off the field. The redshirt junior, who has been a pivotal part of the Seminoles’ defense, was ruled out of the team’s recent home game against Memphis under mysterious circumstances. While head coach Mike Norvell had not listed Brown as injured, fans were left puzzled by his absence from the lineup. Now, new reports have shed light on the situation—Brown was arrested in early July for driving under the influence (DUI) and speeding.
According to Ira Schoffel of Warchant, Brown’s arrest occurred over the weekend of July 4, when the Florida Highway Patrol clocked him driving at an alarming 117 MPH in a 70 MPH zone on I-10 West. The report indicates that Brown was driving a Dodge Charger with an unnamed passenger when he was pulled over. He admitted to having consumed two shots of Tequila about two hours before the stop, and authorities discovered a nearly empty bottle of alcohol in the car. Additionally, a 9MM handgun was found in the vehicle and was turned over to deputies on the scene.
The situation took a more serious turn when Brown agreed to a field sobriety test, during which he reportedly lost his balance repeatedly. He was then asked to provide breath samples, and both samples registered well above the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC). The first sample came in at .203 and the second at .199, more than double the legal limit of .08 in the state of Florida. Brown was subsequently arrested and transported to the Jefferson County Jail, where he spent the night before being released on a $500 bond the following morning.
While the news of Brown’s arrest only recently came to light, the incident has been having quiet ramifications on his football career. The Seminoles issued internal discipline, which resulted in his unavailability for the game against Memphis earlier this month. When contacted, a Florida State spokesperson confirmed that Brown’s absence from the game was due to this internal action but declined to provide further details. Head coach Mike Norvell has also refrained from making an official statement on the matter, leaving questions about Brown’s future with the team unanswered.
Despite the legal troubles, Brown remains a critical piece of Florida State’s defense. Through the first three games of the 2024 season, Brown has recorded 32 tackles, including a standout performance with 13 tackles and a tackle for loss against Georgia Tech. In his most recent appearance, he posted 11 tackles in the game against Cal, solidifying his status as one of the team’s top defenders. Brown is listed as the starting Buck safety on the Seminoles’ depth chart for their upcoming matchup in Dallas, though it remains unclear if the recent revelations will impact his availability moving forward.
Brown has also been an example of player development under the Florida State coaching staff. A three-star recruit in 2021, he quickly rose through the ranks to become an integral part of the Seminoles’ defensive unit. Last season, Brown started all 14 games and was named to the All-ACC third team after registering 53 tackles, two sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery, and four pass breakups. His journey from an overlooked recruit to a conference standout has been a testament to his work ethic and dedication, making the news of his arrest all the more shocking.
The legal proceedings for Brown are set to continue in October. He has court appearances scheduled for October 8 regarding the DUI charge and October 11 for the speeding ticket. These dates conveniently fall during Florida State’s BYE week, which follows their October 5 home game against Clemson. Brown’s attorney has entered a plea of not guilty for both charges.
As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how Florida State and head coach Mike Norvell will handle the situation. Brown’s performance on the field has been stellar, but this off-field issue could cast a shadow over his promising career. With the Seminoles in the midst of a crucial season, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how this legal battle plays out and whether Brown will face further disciplinary action.
