Florida running backs coach Jabbar Juluke was suspended for three games on Tuesday after several scuffles broke out ahead of the Gators’ 20-10 loss to No. 3 LSU on Saturday.
Florida and the SEC announced the punishment together on Tuesday night, and said that he did not de-escalate a tense situation before the game at Tiger Stadium. It’s unclear specifically what Juluke did before the game, but he apologized in the statement.
“On Saturday, I reacted in a manner I’m not proud of,” he said, in part. “There’s no excuse for my behavior and I take full responsibility for my actions. In this game, emotional situations occur and bad reactions happen. I regret my actions and commit to using this moment to strengthen my emotional intelligence.”
Players got into two incidents before the game on Saturday night in Baton Rouge, first about 75 minutes before kickoff. Players from both teams started exchanging shoves along the sideline, but it was broken up fairly quickly.
Then later, on the opposite side of the field, LSU players apparently were upset that Florida players had done a lap around the field. That was also broken up relatively easily, but it drew a few penalty flags that were later deemed unofficial warnings from officials.
Despite the headed pregame activities, the Tigers held off the Gators and intercepted Florida quarterback DJ Lagway five times while picking up the 10 point win. That pushed them to 3-0 on the season, while Florida now sits at just 1-2 after the week prior.
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As a result of his suspension, Juluke will miss Saturday’s game against No. 4 Miami, and games against No. 8 Texas and No. 10 Texas A&M. He can return for their matchup against Mississippi State on Oct. 18.
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