Billy Napier Comments on Florida's First-Half Suspensions vs. Charlotte
Photo: Billy Napier; Credit: Alex Shepherd
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida head coach Billy Napier on Wednesday offered his reaction to the Southeastern Conference's suspensions of three Gators, starting offensive linemen Micah Mazzccua and Damieon George Jr. and backup tight end Dante Zanders, for the first half of Saturday's matchup with Charlotte.
The trio of offensive contributors was involved in an end-of-game fight with multiple Volunteers players at the end of Florida's 29-16, upset victory over Tennessee in Week 3. Additionally, UT's defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott received a suspension of the same length for Week 4.
Not long before the suspensions were handed down Monday, Napier suggested "in-house discipline" had been served to those involved in the skirmish. Although he suggested he was unaware of punishment from the SEC at the time, he implied on Wednesday that the penalties were anticipated.
"I think it was to be expected," Napier said on Wednesday. "You know, regardless, there would have been in-house discipline, you know, so I think we landed about where we should have landed, truth be known. And they've done more besides just, you know, what the SEC has offered. So, it is what it is,"
The clash broke out after Gators quarterback Graham Mertz extended a dropback to kneel down and run out the clock with victory in sight. Having anticipated an immediate kneel, defensive lineman Omari Thomas chased Mertz into the backfield and forcibly bumped into him as he finally went down, triggering a brawl between players from both teams that included at least one member of Florida's coaching staff.
Zanders, Mazzccua and George were each observed throwing at least one punch during the fracas.
"We've got staff members that probably need to be disciplined, as well," Napier said on Monday. "I think ultimately that's a teachable moment. It's an opportunity for us to talk about composure and poise, ego, temper.
"Look, football presents an opportunity to teach some of those things, right? It's not going to be the first time you're going to be in an altercation. Look, you make a decision like that, we had multiple players that screwed up. They compromised the entire team 'cause you may not be available in the future, whatever the case may be."
Napier would not confirm if any coaching staff members or other players faced internal discipline on Wednesday.
Without Mazzccua and George, Florida will look to freshman Knijeah Harris and redshirt senior and offseason transfer Lyndell Hudson II to assume starting duties on the Gators' offensive line, at right tackle and right guard, respectively.
Harris has occupied a rotational role at both guard spots in every game to begin his rookie year, while Hudson has made one appearance, logging 41 snaps against McNeese State in Week 2.
"It's no different than an injury," Napier likened the suspensions. "I think you got to put yourself in position to win the game, and we've got guys that are gonna be, this is an opportunity. I think sometimes injuries, suspensions, if you want to live in that world, they create opportunities for other players, ones that have been working hard and will be looking forward to Saturday.”
Florida's Saturday matchup with Charlotte is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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