Florida associate head coach Jabbar Juluke received a three-game suspension for his role in pregame scuffles between the Gators and LSU last weekend.
The punishment was jointly announced by the university and the Southeastern Conference on Tuesday.
Juluke, who also coaches Florida’s running backs, will miss contests at No. 6 Miami on Saturday, at home against No. 8 Texas on Oct. 4 and at No. 10 Texas A&M on Oct. 11.
“Jabbar Juluke’s conduct during the pregame altercation reflects behavior that is unacceptable and not aligned with the standards of the Southeastern Conference,” league commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement. “Coaches are expected to be leaders and to de-escalate tense situations, and that did not happen in this circumstance.”
The statement did not specify Juluke’s role in the altercations.
The SEC rivals engaged in a two separate dust-ups before the Tigers’ 20-10 victory in Baton Rouge, La.
Campus police had to intervene in the first series of shoving matches, after Florida players crossed onto LSU’s side of the field during pregame warm-ups. Then, several Gators players jogged around the area behind the LSU bench and players from both sides again came together.
“On Saturday, I reacted in a manner I’m not proud of,” Juluke said in a statement. “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 reaction and commit to using this moment to strengthen my emotional intelligence.
“I know more is expected of us as coaches, and I commit to living up to that expectation. I believe growth is in ownership and learning from the good and the bad. I intend to use this situation as a teachable moment, not only for myself, but for those I impact. Again, I offer my sincerest apologies to both institutions and the staffs and families involved.”
Florida (1-2) has dropped back-to-back games versus South Florida and LSU, heaping pressure on Billy Napier, the Gators’ head coach. Napier brought Juluke with him from Louisiana, where they coached together from 2018-21.
Napier owns a 20-21 overall record in his fourth season in Gainesville. The team won its final four games in 2024 and was ranked No. 13 before falling 18-16 at home to unranked South Florida on Sept. 6.
“Coach Juluke’s actions prior to our game against LSU are not up to the standard of our program,” Napier said in a statement. “Coach Juluke is a man of character and has taken full responsibility for his actions. I believe Coach Juluke will learn from this experience and be better for it.”
–Field Level Media
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