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Billy Napier apologizes for ‘embarrassing’ postgame melee vs. Florida State, promises consequences

FaceProfileby: Thomas Goldkamp12/01/24
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Following Florida‘s 31-11 win over rival Florida State on Saturday night, tensions flared at Doak Campbell Stadium.

Florida players rushed toward midfield after the game to plant a black Gators flag on the turf, which caused Florida State players to rush into the mix in defense of their program. Seminoles coach Mike Norvell even grabbed the Florida flag and tossed it to the side before getting into a heated exchange with Gators coach Billy Napier.

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Napier apologized for what he called a ‘distraction’ after the game.

“Before we get going here, obviously what happened there at the end of the game is not who we want to be as a program. OK?” Napier said. “And it’s embarrassing to me, and it’s a distraction from a really well-played football game, right?

“So I want to apologize on behalf of the entire organization just in terms of how we represented the university there. We shouldn’t have done that, and we won’t do that going forward. And there will be consequences for all involved.”

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Florida continued its celebration after a good deal of pushing and shoving. Players gathered in the end zone and some even seemed to scuff up a Florida State logo with their cleats.

It was clear the win meant a lot. But for Napier, doing it the right way matters.

“It’s a huge positive. It’s unfortunate that we have a distraction that, again, is inexcusable,” he said. “So, look, our guys deserve it. They’ve worked their tails off. I’m proud of them. And as a coach you want to see the players get some gratification from all their work. What we ask them to do is not normal, and all they’ve done is continue to show up and they brought the effort, brought the attitude, and they were ready to play.”

The Florida defense was largely responsible for the win on a night when the offense was out of sync at times.

Florida gave up just 239 total yards in the contest. Meanwhile, the defensive front produced eight sacks, throwing the Florida State offense out of rhythm.

For the Gators, it was the first win in the rivalry series since 2021.