Gators Backup Quarterback Suspended Indefinitely For Sharing, Possession Of Child Pornography

The 19-year-old son of former NFL quarterback Jon Kitna is in a heap of trouble, including being handed an indefinite suspension by the Florida Gators.

Jalen Kitna was arrested on Wednesday, November 30 on two counts of distribution of child exploitation material and three counts of possession of child pornography, the Gainesville Police Department said in an official release.

The felonies could result in a prison term of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

Kitna is set to appear before court on Thursday, December 1.

He was probed by police following reports that he shared explicit images on his Discord account.

The backup quarterback to the Gators alleged that he thought it was legal because he found the said photos online.

Kitna claimed that he later realized that he should not have shared the controversial images, pointing out the reaction of other users on Discord.

He added that his account was deactivated at some point, assuming that someone had reported him for violation of the terms of service.

Kitna also shared that he received an email from Discord notifying him about it. This was later confirmed by an email from the streaming platform according to the report from USA Today.

However, the problems of Kitna were not limited to that.

The GPD seized the electronic devices of the redshirt freshman and authorities found three additional images of sexual abuse material.

As a result, Kitna is now booked at the Alachua County Jail at around 3:20 PM on Wednesday.

"We are shocked and saddened to hear of the news involving Jalen Kitna," UF's athletic department said in a statement. "These are extremely serious charges and the University of Florida and the UAA have zero tolerance for such behavior. Jalen has been suspended indefinitely," the statement read.

It was an unfortunate development for Kitna who had moved up the depth chart from third to second behind Anthony Richardson.

Kitna appeared in the Gators' last regular season game against Florida State after Richardson lost his helmet.

He ran five plays, including a five-yard rush.

For the season, he passed for 181 yards and 1 TD, coming in relief against Eastern Washington.