Top Story: Real Reason why FSU Star Safety Reportedly Missed Major Memphis Loss

The redshirt junior was reportedly arrested in early July after being stopped for traveling 117 miles per hour.

Florida State had five players unavailable for its home game against Memphis earlier this month, including redshirt junior safety Shyheim Brown. Initially, it was unclear why Brown was not playing, as he was not mentioned by Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell as being injured prior to the game.

It has now come to light that the reason for Brown’s absence was his arrest. On Thursday, Warchant’s Ira Schoffel reported that Brown was taken into custody by Florida Highway Patrol in early July for speeding and driving under the influence (DUI). He was booked at Jefferson County Jail and released the following morning after posting a $ 500 bond.

The report indicated that Brown was driving at 117 MPH in a 70 MPH zone while operating a Dodge Charger on I-10 West with an unnamed passenger during the July 4 weekend.

According to reports, Brown admitted to consuming two shots of tequila two hours before his arrest, and a nearly empty bottle was found in his car. Authorities also discovered a 9MM handgun, which was given to deputies at the scene. When subjected to a field sobriety test, Brown reportedly lost his balance multiple times.

The report noted that Brown provided two breath samples: the first measured a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .203, and the second was slightly lower at .199. Both readings are more than double Florida’s legal limit of .08.

Following his arrest, Brown was taken to Jefferson County Jail, where he consented to provide breath samples that confirmed the earlier results. He is scheduled to appear in court for the misdemeanor DUI charge on October 8 and for a speeding ticket on October 11. His attorney has filed a not guilty plea for both charges. Notably, these court dates fall during a bye week for the Seminoles after they play Clemson on October 5.

NoleGameday reached out to a Florida State spokesperson regarding the situation. The spokesperson confirmed that Brown “faced internal discipline which resulted in him being unavailable for the game against Memphis.” The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was also contacted for comment.

This season, Brown has made 32 tackles and has one tackle for loss in three appearances. His performances include 13 tackles and one tackle for loss against Georgia Tech, and 11 tackles in his latest game against Cal. He is listed as Florida State’s starting Buck safety for the upcoming game in Dallas.

Brown joined the Seminoles as a three-star recruit in 2021 and has exemplified development under Florida State’s coaching staff, evolving from an overlooked high school player to an all-conference athlete. In 2023, he had a standout season, starting all 14 games and recording 53 tackles, two sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery, and four pass breakups, earning third-team All-ACC recognition.

It remains uncertain if the recent arrest will affect Brown’s future availability, as head coach Mike Norvell has not commented further on the issue.