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Florida coach suspended 3 games for slapping LSU player

On3 imageby: Shea Dixon09/17/25sheadixon
Florida assistant Jabbar Juluke has been suspended for slapping an LSU player before kickoff (Photo: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
Florida assistant Jabbar Juluke has been suspended for slapping an LSU player before kickoff (Photo: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Florida Gators running backs coach Jabbar Juluke, a former LSU staffer, has been suspended three games for slapping an LSU player before kickoff this past weekend.

Florida running backs coach Jabbar Juluke will miss the program’s next three games, a trio of games against Top 10 teams, after being suspended by the SEC and UF for his involvement in the pregame scuffles in Baton Rouge on Saturday night.

Florida head coach Billy Napier first released a statement on the news following the suspension being revealed on Tuesday, then followed up with additional thoughts on Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference.

The suspension, which begins with missing Saturday’s in-state rivalry at No. 4 Miami, comes as a result of Juluke slapping LSU safety Joel Rogers ahead of kickoff in Death Valley.

(video below shows Juluke slapping Rogers, which led to the suspension decision by the SEC and UF)

“ I was not on the field during the unit warmups,” Napier said. “So, in general, I think just misrepresentative of the league, of the university, of our organization as a whole. And Jabbar has taken ownership of that, as you would expect from Jabbar. He’s been first-class in terms of the way he’s handled it. And we’ve worked with the SEC office and the university administration to resolve it.

“He’ll serve his time here and the discipline that comes with making a tough decision. Jabbar has a body of work in his career. He made a mistake and I think the big thing here is that we’ve got to continue to grow and learn from things like this and be a good example to others. And, he’s done that so far.”

In addition to Napier, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and Florida athletics director Scott Stricklin released statements from Juluke on his actions, whose apology made mention of a player from the LSU team.

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

“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.”