NCAA hands down suspension to Kevin O'Sullivan over Conway Regional blowup, controversy

Florida head coach Kevin O’Sullivan has been suspended by the NCAA following his blowup in the Conway Regional. O’Sullivan will miss three games, per Friday’s public reprimand, carrying over to the beginning of the 2026 Gators season.

An elimination game against East Carolina back in the spring is where the controversy began. With an early start time, O’Sullivan was caught on camera, angry with NCAA site officials and a few people who worked for Coastal Carolina. Video emerged of the situation, showing O’Sullivan quite animated prior to first pitch.

There was no reason to be happy with his team’s play either. Florida would go on to lose to East Carolina, ending their season after thriving during the back half of an SEC schedule. Fairfield wound up being the Gators’ lone win of the NCAA Tournament while East Carolina delivered both defeats.

O’Sullivan just wrapped up his 18th season in Gainesville, being hired in 2008. Year No. 19 is going to start off a little differently than usual, missing some time. Not too often do you see previous actions carry over into a new campaign. But O’Sullivan is going to serve a suspension for actions in Conway.

Kevin O’Sullivan releases statement, apologizes for actions

Florida was eliminated from the tournament and by Monday evening, statements were released by O’Sullivan. He apologized to multiple parties involved in the Conway Regional for his actions and promised to learn from them moving forward. Specific names were included as well, giving an idea of who the head coach was upset with on the day.

“Prior to yesterday’s NCAA Tournament game against East Carolina, I let my emotions get the best of me and channeled that energy in a way I should not have,” O’Sullivan said. “I want to sincerely apologize for my actions and behavior to the entire NCAA Regional field of Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, and Fairfield, the NCAA — including site representatives Rich French and Mark Scalf — as well as all of Gator Nation.

“I did not represent the University of Florida to the appropriate standard yesterday and I take full responsibility for that, and promise to learn from this experience and be better moving forward. I appreciate all of the tireless efforts on behalf hosts Coastal Carolina, their Tournament Director Bryan Stiles, and the NCAA over the course of the NCAA regionals, and am sorry for allowing this instance to get in the way of an otherwise great weekend of postseason baseball.”