GAINEVILLE — The SEC suspended Florida running backs coach Jabbar Juluke three games for his role during a pregame altercation prior the Gators’ 20-10 loss at LSU.
The league announced Juluke’s suspension Tuesday night ahead of UF’s visit Saturday to No. 4 Miami.
“Jabbar Juluke’s conduct during the pregame altercation reflects behavior that is unacceptable and not aligned with the standards of the Southeastern Conference,” commissioner Greg Sankey said 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.”
Florida and LSU players twice engaged in scuffles before the Sept. 13 game at Tiger Stadium, the second skirmish leading an official to throw a penalty flag though no infractions were assessed.
UF players inched on the Tigers’ side of the midfield, leading to the first scrum and leaving defensive coordinator Ron Roberts fuming while point to LSU players. Former Gators’ defensive lineman Jack Pyburn was among the opposing players involved as campus police calmed the situation.
A bit later, some Florida players set off another showdown after jogging toward the LSU end off the field.
Unclear is the role of Juluke, a native of New Orleans and LSU running backs coach in 2016. Before the Gators’ 16-10 upset that season, Tigers injured star tailback Leonard Fournette and Florida secondary coach Torrian Gray exchanged words to create a pregame stir.
University of Florida running back Ja’Kobi Jackson talks with assistant coach Jabbar Juluke during practice Aug. 2 in The Swamp. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
“I first would like to apologize to both Florida and LSU universities, their teams, staff and fans,” Juluke said in a statement. “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.”
Juluke has consistently produced one of the Gators’ best units. He will now sit out the Miami game, an Oct. 4 visit from Texas and an Oct. 11 trip to Texas A&M.
“I believe growth is in ownership and learning from the good and the bad,” he said. “I intend to use this situation as a teachable moment, not only for myself, but for those I impact.”
UF coach Billy Napier said in a statement that Juluke’s actions “are not up to the standard of our program.”
Juluke has coached with Napier the past eight seasons, including for at Louisiana.
“Coach Juluke is a man of character and has taken full responsibility for his actions,” Napier said. “I believe Coach Juluke will learn from this experience and be better for it.”
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com.
