Jim McElwain: Florida coaches, players, families being threatened by fans

By Adam Silverstein
October 23, 2017
Jim McElwain: Florida coaches, players, families being threatened by fans
Football

The Florida Gators will be a massive underdog to the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday as Georgia will be 14-point favorites entering the game, the largest spread for the Bulldogs in the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party since at least the 1980s. Florida is coming off losing consecutive games at home and reeling in its third season under Jim McElwain. It is for these reasons — among others — that the natives are getting restless.

But being angry is one thing; issuing threats to individuals involved in athletic competitions is another.

McElwain explained Monday at his weekly press conference that death threats have been sent to Gators coaches, players and families this season.

“I think it’s a pretty good lesson for the way things are. There’s a lot of hate in this world and a lot of anger. And yet, it’s freedom to show it. The hard part is, obviously, when it’s threats against your own players, death threats to your families, the ill will that’s brought upon out there,” he said.

“And yet, I think it’s really one of those deals that really is a pretty good testament to what’s going on out there nationally. There’s a lot of angry people, and in this business, we’re the ones you take the shots at. And that’s the way it is.”

McElwain preferred not to answer multiple follow-up questions about the present situation, though he did seem to indicate that none of the threatening parties were turned over to law enforcement, suggesting that such vitriol — even to these absurd, extreme levels — comes with the job.

“Here’s the one thing: You’re in the business, so that’s all part of it. You get it. It’s one thing when it’s directed towards your players, directed towards families, wives, that kind of thing. And yet, at the same time, they know what they signed up for as well. And that’s part of the business,” he said.

The program released a statement later Monday that it followed up with McElwain about his comments but explained why no further action could be taken at this time.

“The University Athletic Association takes the safety of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and families very seriously,” read a UAA statement released to multiple media outlets. “Our administration met with Coach McElwain this afternoon, and he offered no additional details.”

While McElwain may be right that one in his position needs to be prepared for such circumstances, that obviously does not make it acceptable in any way, shape or form. And McElwain is far from the first coach to be threatened in such a way. He’s not even the only SEC coach to have to deal with something similar this season.

Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin received hate mail, including a racial slur, at his home following his team’s one-point loss to UCLA to open the season. “You suck as a coach! You’re a n—– and can’t win. Please get out or else,” read the letter, which was posted to Twitter by his wife.

A week later, Sumlin’s wife explained that the letter was turned over to law enforcement, but local police “hit a dead end because evidently the letter didn’t fit the criteria needed … to prosecute it as a threat, or a hate crime or a violation of civil rights.” However, an investigation was ongoing.

“Our lives are not defined and our happiness is not determined by this game,” added Charlene Sumlin. “We are stronger than that.”

Fans should keep that in mind.

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