Brian Kelly reacts to suspension of Florida coach Jabbar Juluke after pregame fight vs. LSU

Florida associate head coach and running backs coach Jabbar Juluke was suspended earlier this week by the SEC and UF for his role in a pregame altercation prior to last week’s game against LSU. He will miss three games as a result.

Prior to the kickoff of last week’s game, the two teams got into a heated exchange. The footage showed Juluke appearing to slap LSU safety Joel Rodgers, which led to the scuffle. Due to the scuffle, a flag (which was later rescinded) was thrown pregame for unsportsmanlike conduct.

In the aftermath, Juluke is set to serve a three-game suspension. That means he will miss Florida’s games against No. 4 Miami, No. 8 Texas and No. 10 Texas A&M.

Pregame video from ESPN/ABC shows Florida assistant coach Jabbar Juluke slapping LSU safety Joel Rogers before Saturday’s game.

Juluke has been suspended three games by the school and SEC. pic.twitter.com/PTLqUUPP22

— 104.5 ESPN (@1045espn) September 17, 2025

“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 in a statement. “Coaches are expected to be leaders and to de-escalate 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.”

The game kicked off an hour later, which resulted in a 20-10 win for No. 3 LSU. During Thursday’s media opportunity, LSU head coach Brian Kelly discussed the situation.

“Our commissioner has a better sense on issuing those penalties,” Kelly said. “For me, we just wanted to make sure that our player was safe and that he was okay. So, making sure that that was the priority on our end and whatever happened relative to suspensions/sanctions are out of our hands. We want to take care of our player and that’s what we did this week.”

Juluke referred to situation as a ‘teachable moment’

Juluke also released a statement on the situation. He apologized to both UF and LSU, as well as the staffs of both teams and fans, while saying he plans to use the altercation as a “teachable moment.”

“I, first, would like to apologize to both Florida and LSU universities, their teams, staff and fans,” Juluke said. “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. 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.”

On3’s Nick Schultz and Thomas Goldkamp also contributed to this report.