The SEC and University of Florida have jointly announced a three-game suspension of assistant coach Jabbar Juluke for his involvement in an altercation prior to the Florida at LSU football game on Saturday, September 14th.
“Jabbar Juluke’s conduct during the pregame altercation reflects behavior that is unacceptable and not aligned with the standards of the Southeastern Conference,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “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 is in the middle of his fourth season with the Gators as Florida’s associate head coach / running backs coach.
“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. 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 said in a statement made available to the media.
Quote from Scott Stricklin, Florida Athletics Director:
“Jabbar has consistently been an upstanding member of our staff, and I commend him for accepting responsibility in this situation. We will continue to support him as he works to meet the high standards we set for our program.”
Quote from Billy Napier, Florida Head Football Coach:
“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. I believe Coach Juluke will learn from this experience and be better for it.”
Juluke is eligible to return to game action on Saturday, October 18th vs. Mississippi State