Texas Longhorns sophomore receiver Dan Buckner will transfer from the Longhorn program less than 24 hours after he was arrested in College Station, Texas, on charges of criminal trespassing and resisting arrest.
Texas coach Mack Brown announced Thursday that Buckner, a 6-foot-4, 215-pounder from Allen, Texas, has been granted his release from the program.
"We've talked to Dan and his family about the recent situation and they've assured us that they think he hasn't done anything wrong and they are confident it will be cleaned up in the legal process," Brown said. "During our discussion with Dan and his family, we all decided that the best thing for him would be to transfer to another school and get a fresh start.
"We told them we would release him from his scholarship and help him with the transition process any way we can. We appreciate everything that Dan has done for Texas and our football program and we wish him the best in the future."
Buckner played in all 14 games for the Longhorns in 2009, including six starts. He produced 45 catches for 442 yards and four touchdown grabs to rank as Texas' third-leading receiver.
College Station Police Department spokesman Lt. Rodney Sigel said that Buckner was arrested at the Lofts of Wolf Pen Creek apartments early Thursday morning after he was visiting a female acquaintance.
Sigel said that a disturbance ensued and residents asked the suspect to leave. When the police arrived on the scene, the suspect still wouldn't depart and was then arrested.
Buckner was released early Thursday from the Brazos County Jail after posting bonds totaling $8,000, a spokesman at the Brazos County Sheriff's Office said.
Buckner snagged 29 of those catches in the first five games of the season, but saw his playing time limited later in the Longhorns' 13-1 season. He had one catch for minus-3 yards in Texas' national title game loss against Alabama last week and had only seven catches over the final four games of the season as his flex end position was gradually phased out of the Longhorns' offensive attack.
"I want to thank Coach Brown, Coach [Texas tight ends coach Bobby] Kennedy and all of the staff for everything they've done for me," Buckner said. "I've really enjoyed my time at Texas, but we've talked about my situation and I think it's best for me to get a fresh start and transfer to another school."
Tim Griffin covers college football for ESPN.com. You may contact him at espntimgriff@yahoo.com.