Florida football associate head coach and running backs coach Jabbar Juluke has been handed a three-game suspension following his involvement in a pregame altercation before the Florida Gators’ road game at LSU last Saturday, the Southeastern Conference announced.
That three-game suspension includes games against No. 4 Miami, No. 8 Texas and No. 10 Texas A&M.
The SEC and University of Florida released a joint statement confirming the discipline, calling Juluke’s behavior “unacceptable” and out of line with league standards.
“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. “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.”
Juluke apologized after the suspension was announced, acknowledging fault and vowing to learn from the incident.
“On Saturday, I reacted in a manner I’m not proud of,” Juluke said. “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.”
Head coach Billy Napier weighed in, stressing that Juluke’s behavior fell short of the program’s expectations but expressing confidence in his ability moving forward.
“Coach (Jabbar) Juluke’s actions prior to our game against LSU are not up to the standard of our program,” Napier said. “Coach Juluke is a man of character and has taken full responsibility for his actions. I believe coach Juluke will learn from this experience and be better with it.
Florida Gators athletic director Scott Stricklin backed Juluke’s response, noting his track record on staff.
“Jabbar (Juluke) has consistently been an upstanding member of our staff, and I commend him for accepting responsibility in this situation.”
The suspension marks a major setback for Juluke, a respected veteran coach who has built a reputation for developing productive backfields throughout his career but now faces questions about discipline and leadership in Gainesville.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football associate HC Jabbar Juluke suspended three games after LSU altercation
Reporting by Aidan Gallardo, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
