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UM Linebacker Facing Felony Charges

CORAL GABLES (CBS4) - The University of Miami football team has worked hard to distance itself from the criminal history of the past. But, for the first time since 2007, the Canes are now faced with the arrest of starting linebacker Ramon Buchanan on multiple charges, including two felonies.

Buchanan was arrested after an off-campus incident in Coconut Grove last week. The starting linebacker faces felony charges of resisting a police officer with violence and battery on a police officer, firefighter, or emergency medical care provider.

He was also slapped with three misdemeanor charges of trespassing, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest without violence.

According to the arrest report, Buchanan caused a disturbance in the men's bathroom of the Fat Tuesday's. Police said Buchanan had a "strong scent of an alcoholic beverage."

Police told Buchanan to leave the business, which, according to the arrest report, Buchanan responded saying "(expletive) you, I ain't leaving!"

Miami-Dade Police said Buchanan then began to resist arrest. The arrest reports states that once Buchanan was on the ground he said, "I am a U of M football player, and I don't give a (expletive) what you do, I'll get out of it. (expletive) the police."

Buchanan played in 13 games for the Canes in 2010 and recorded 54 tackles, including 8 tackles for loss.

University of Miami head coach Al Golden told the Palm Beach Post that Buchanan has been suspended indefinitely.

"We are aware of Ramon's situation and we are disappointed," Golden told the Post. "This is out of character for a young man who has been a positive influence in our program. He is contrite and apologetic for the situation and is currently taking the appropriate actions towards resolution."

According to the Post, Buchanan is the first UM player to be arrested since former quarterback Robert Marve was charged with two misdemeanors.

Marve would later transfer to Purdue University and has never lived up to the expectations fans had for him at "the U."

Monday's announcement came just days after a report was released that up to six Hurricanes may be forced to sit out the season opener against the University of Maryland this fall.

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