Florida assistant football coach suspended for 3 games over pregame altercation

Florida Gators assistant football coach Jabbar Juluke was suspended for three games on Tuesday for his role in a pregame altercation ahead of the team’s loss to LSU.

The SEC and the Gators program jointly announced the suspension for the running backs coach, who is also the associate head coach under Billy Napier.

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Florida Gators associate head coach for running backs Jabbar Juluke looks on during fall football practice at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. (Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun)

“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.”

Players from both the Gators and the Tigers were involved in pregame incidents. However, Juluke’s involvement wasn’t spelled out in the SEC release.

He apologized for his role and suggested he got into an incident with a Tigers player.

Florida Gators associate head coach for running backs Jabbar Juluke gestures towards Florida Gators tight end Tony Livingston (86) against the Long Island Sharks during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. (Matt Pendleton/Imagn Images)

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“I, first, would like to apologize to both Florida and LSU universities, their teams, staff and fans. I also sincerely apologize to the young athlete and his family,” he said, via ESPN. “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. 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.”

Juluke will miss games against the Miami Hurricanes, Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies.

LSU Tigers running backs coach Jabbar Juluke looks on during the Spring Game at Tiger Stadium on April 16, 2016.  (Matt Bush/USA TODAY Sports)

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He’s been with the Gators since 2022, and also coached LSU’s running backs in 2016.

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