John
The Florida Gators (1-2) are coming off a tough 20-10 loss to the No. 3 LSU Tigers (3-0) last week, and they’ll be without one of the key members of their coaching staff heading into this weekend’s matchup against the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes (3-0).
Things got testy between Florida and LSU during warm ups ahead of last week’s tilt, and among the multiple pregame scuffles, one sticks out above the rest because of associate head coach and running backs coach Jabbar Juluke’s involvement.
As things escalated between the two schools, video emerged showing Juluke slapping LSU safety Joel Rogers.
That incident landed Juluke in hot water, and the SEC came down hard on him, slapping him with a three-game suspension, which means he will miss the Gators’ next three games against Miami, the No. 8-ranked Texas Longhorns, and the No. 10-ranked Texas A&M Aggies.
More Football: Ex-NFL Head Coach Says Tom Brady Shared Info With Raiders in 2024
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
More Football: Bears QB Caleb Williams in Danger of Being Benched, Says ESPN Analyst
“Jabbar Juluke’s conduct during the pregame altercation reflects behavior that is unacceptable and not aligned with the standards of the Southeastern Conference,” SEC 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 head coach Billy Napier called Juluke’s behavior as “not up to the standard of our program,” while stating he believed the incident would serve as a good learning experience for the young coach.
More Football: Bengals Called About QB Trade After Joe Burrow Injury News: Report
James Gilbert/Getty Images
More Football: Steelers Offensive Line Hit With Brutal Season-Ending Injury
Juluke, who’s in his fourth season on Florida’s coaching staff as Napier’s assistant, has since issued an apology to Rogers and everyone involved.
“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.
“… 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.”
