Harford County, Maryland — A University of Maryland football player is facing misdemeanor charges after being arrested in Harford County, a case that has sparked criticism from his attorney and drawn attention within the college football community.
Dontay Joyner, a defensive back and rising senior with the Maryland Terrapins, was charged with telephone misuse for making repeated calls, electronic communications harassment, and violating release conditions, according to court records.
The case remains active as legal proceedings move forward.
Charges Filed Against Maryland Football Player
Authorities in Harford County arrested Joyner on charges related to alleged communications with another individual. According to court records, the charges include:
- Telephone misuse for making repeated calls
- Electronic communications harassment
- Violating release conditions
All of the offenses listed are misdemeanor-level charges.
Court documents also indicate that Joyner is currently being held without bond. Officials have not publicly released extensive details regarding the circumstances that led to the arrest.
Attorney Strongly Disputes Circumstances of Arrest
Joyner’s attorney, former Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler, issued a statement criticizing both the charges and Joyner’s continued detention.
According to Gansler, the allegations stem from communications between Joyner and his longtime girlfriend during an argument.
“[Joyner] has been locked in a cage in Harford County for seven nights after being charged with a misdemeanor for telephone misuse for texting his longtime girlfriend during an argument. This is simply outrageous.”
Gansler also emphasized that his client has no prior criminal history. According to the attorney, Joyner has never previously been in trouble with law enforcement and does not own a handgun.
The attorney further stated that Joyner’s girlfriend does not wish to pursue the case.
“She is fully supportive of him and does not want to press charges.”
Authorities have not publicly commented on the attorney’s characterization of the case.
Key Contributor for Maryland Football Program
Joyner has been a member of the University of Maryland football program after transferring from Arkansas State.
A native of Lakeland, Florida, he plays defensive back for the Terrapins and has earned recognition within the program for his contributions on the field.
According to the Maryland athletics website, Joyner was awarded the Nick Cross Defensive Back Award during spring activities, an honor recognizing excellence among the team’s defensive backs while celebrating former Terrapin standouts.
The award reflected the progress he had made within the program heading into his senior season.
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Legal Process Continues
At this stage, the charges remain allegations, and no determination of guilt has been made in court.
The case is expected to proceed through the judicial process, where prosecutors, defense attorneys, and the court will review the evidence and circumstances surrounding the allegations.
Neither the University of Maryland football program nor university officials have publicly announced whether any team-related action will be taken while the case remains pending.
For now, attention remains focused on the legal proceedings and whether Joyner’s bond status or charges could change as the case moves forward.
As the situation develops, additional details may emerge regarding the allegations and any potential impact on the athlete’s future with the Maryland football program.
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