Florida running backs coach Jabbar Juluke has been suspended following a pregame altercation with LSU staff members, the school confirmed. The incident, which unfolded before kickoff, drew immediate attention and led to disciplinary action against the veteran assistant coach.

Florida associate head coach and running backs coach Jabbar Juluke has been suspended three games by both the SEC and the university following his involvement in a pregame altercation against LSU. The announcement was made jointly by the conference and UF.

The confrontation occurred before kickoff, when Florida and LSU players and staff exchanged heated words on the field. The intensity of the clash prompted officials to throw a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct even before the game began.

According to a UF spokesperson, officials later clarified that no foul would be enforced despite the early penalty signal. Still, Juluke’s actions drew disciplinary consequences, sidelining him for the next three contests.

As a result of the suspension, Jabbar Juluke will be sidelined for Florida’s next three matchups. The Gators will be without their associate head coach and running backs coach when they take on Miami, Texas, and Texas A&M in consecutive weeks.

“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 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.”

Juluke also released a statement on the situation. He apologized to both UF and LSU, as well as the staffs and fans, while saying he plans to use to use the altercation as a “teachable moment.”

“I, first, would like to apologize to both Florida and LSU universities, their teams, staff and fans,” Juluke said. “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.”