Billy Napier addresses Jamari Lyons ejection for spitting: 'Those things are unacceptable'
Florida will be down defensive lineman Jamari Lyons in the second half against Florida State after he was ejected in the first half. During a pause between plays, Lyons apparently spit on a Florida State player.
Speaking with ESPN’s Holly Rowe briefly at halftime, Gators head coach Billy Napier made clear he’s not going to tolerate those sort of extracurriculars. Plus, holding a 12-7 lead at the break, Napier knows any foolishness could cost the Gators.
“Those things are unacceptable. No question. It’s a rivalry, we all understand that, but we need to play between the whistles, do things with class. And look, we know we don’t like them and they don’t like us, but we need to keep our composure,” Napier said.
It’s also been the debut of quarterback Max Brown starting for the Gators, who is filling in for the injured Graham Mertz.
Napier was pleased with the play from Brown through two quarters.
“Communicated at a high level, operating with a full 40. And look, we challenged all the players around him to raise their level of play. And we’re getting good play from the line of scrimmage and the skill players,” Napier said.
A Florida legend is on hand for the rivalry
Tim Tebow is one of the biggest legends in the history of college football. The incredible feats he accomplished in the sport forever made him a legend for the Florida Gators and in the sports history.
On Saturday night against Florida State, the Gators decided to honor Tebow by letting another Gator legend, Steve Spurrier, give him his College Football Hall of Fame plaque on the field.
Rowe caught up with Tim Tebow on the sidelines, asking him to discuss what feelings and emotions he had on Saturday night in receiving such an honor.
“It’s special. I don’t know, I’m getting emotional. I just love it. I love this place. Can’t stand that team. It’s a special night. I love it. I got to see some of my teammates, Brandon Siler, Brandon Spikes. All the memories, the moments, the ability to get to play a game that we love, you know. God’s grace to just to be able to enjoy this is, it’s special. I love it so much,” Tebow said.
He also had some advice for Brown, which he had shared with the quarterback before the game.
“That he was created for such a time as this. That he has played this game a long time and maybe he doesn’t have the reps, but he can go out there with full confidence, full trust, that his identity is not in a game. He doesn’t have to play with pressure. He doesn’t have to play with fear. His identity’s not in this game. He gets to go love what he does and he gets to play all out regardless of what happens. That’s not redefined, but he does get to go play free. And he was created for this moment, whatever happens. Enjoy it. Thrive. Not be timid. Let it rip. And that’s what he’s been doing so far,” Tebow said.