Florida football assistant coach Jabbar Juluke suspended for pregame scuffle

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Southeastern Conference and University of Florida have announced a three-game suspension of Jabbar Juluke, associate head football coach and running backs coach at Florida, for his involvement in an altercation prior to the Florida-LSU football game on Saturday.

Juluke will miss a tough stretch of the Gators’ schedule, as the next three games are at No. 4 Miami, at home against No. 8 Texas and at No. 10 Texas A&M.

In a news release, the SEC and school didn’t describe Juluke’s specific role in the altercation, but players from both teams could be seen yelling at each other before the game. LSU won, 20-10.

“Coaches are expected to be leaders and to de-escalate tense situations, and that did not happen in this circumstance,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said. “This suspension is appropriate, and any future misconduct by Jabbar Juluke will result in more severe disciplinary action.”

Juluke apologized for the incident.

“There’s no excuse for my behavior, and I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said.

“I know more is expected of us as coaches, and I commit to living up to that expectation.”

Head coach Billy Napier, whose team is off to a 1-2 start, said Juluke will learn from what happened.

“Coach Juluke’s actions prior to our game against LSU are not up to the standard of our program. Coach Juluke is a man of character and has taken full responsibility for his actions,” Napier said.