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University of Maryland DB Dontay Joyner arrested on harassment-related charges
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- University of Maryland DB Dontay Joyner arrested on harassment-related charges
University of Maryland defensive back Dontay Joyner was arrested on harassment-related charges, according to court records.
Joyner, who is from Lakeland, Florida, was arrested last Thursday for telephone misuse and electronic communication harassment charges, the Harford County Sheriff's Office confirmed to The Baltimore Sun.
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According to court documents obtained by The Sun, officers were dispatched on a report of harassment after the victim, who was identified by them as Joyner's girlfriend, called.
The two were arguing over her wanting to break up, and Joyner threatened to shoot her and traveled from Laurel to confront her, according to court documents.
Officers located his vehicle and pulled him over, where Joyner did tell police he had firearms registered to him through Florida, per court documents.
Following his arrest and while being held, a detective discovered Joyner continued to attempt to contact the victim, according to court documents.
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Maryland's athletic department said in a statement, "We are aware of the situation and have no further comment at this time."
Joyner's lawyer, Douglas Gansler, said in a statement to The Sun that what happened to the Terp football player "should never happen in Maryland in 2026."
"He 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 said. "Dantay is 21 years old, he has never been in trouble with the law, does not own a handgun and his girlfriend is fully supportive of him and does not want to press charges."
The defensive back transferred to Maryland in 2025 after playing at Arkansas State.
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Joyner, a rising senior, started in all 12 games during his first season with the Terps. He recorded 40 total tackles and two interceptions last season to earn honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
In 2025, he led the team with eight pass break-ups and scored a pick-6 against Nebraska.
Have a news tip? Contact Christopher Scarglato at cscarglato@baltsun.com or 443-900-0371.
