Florida assistant Jabbar Juluke suspended three games for skirmish before LSU game

Football

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Image Credit: UAA

Florida Gators running backs coach Jabbar Juluke on Tuesday was suspended three games by the university and the SEC for his involvement in an altercation ahead of Florida’s 20-10 loss to the No. 3 LSU Tigers last weekend at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Gators and Tigers made headlines nationally as every player on each sideline was assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty before kickoff after a pair of skirmishes occurred prior to kickoff.

“Jabbar Juluke’s conduct during the pregame altercation reflects behavior that is unacceptable and not aligned with the standards of the Southeastern Conference,” said SEC commissioner Greg Sankey. “Coaches are expected to be leaders and to deescalate tense situations, and that did not happen in this circumstance. This suspension is appropriate, and any future misconduct by Jabbar Juluke will result in more severe disciplinary action.”

It was not specified what exactly Juluke, also an associate head coach for the program, did to earn the suspension. However, in a statement of apology provided by the assistant, he acknowledged some type of inappropriate action with and LSU player.

“I, first, would like to apologize to both Florida and LSU universities, their teams, staff and fans. I also sincerely apologize to the young athlete and his family. On Saturday, I reacted in a manner I’m not proud of. 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.”

Juluke was an original hire by head coach Billy Napier in 2022. He will miss games against No. 4 Miami, No. 8 Texas and No. 10 Texas A&M over the next month, returning to the sideline on Oct. 18 against Mississippi State. Juluke has arguably been the Gators’ most successful assistant with his running back room among the top-performing positions each season.

“Coach Juluke’s actions prior to our game against LSU are not up to the standard of our program.,” Napier said. “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.”

“Jabbar has consistently been an upstanding member of our staff, and I commend him for accepting responsibility in this situation,” athletic director Scott Stricklin said. “We will continue to support him as he works to meet the high standards we set for our program.”