Two days after being ejected from Florida’s loss to South Florida for spitting on a Bulls player, Gators defensive tackle Brendan Bett issued an apology Monday on social media.
Bett was penalized 15 yards and thrown out of the game for spitting on offensive lineman Cole Skinner with 2:07 left in the contest. The penalty helped USF’s drive that resulted in a field goal as time expired for an 18-16 upset win in Gainesville, Fla.
Bett posted on Instagram, “I want to sincerely apologize for my actions in the game this past Saturday. I let down teammates, coaches, family and all of our Gator Nation. Our coaches always instill in us the value of sportsmanship and I crossed the line.
“I also want to apologize to South Florida. That’s not the person or player I strive to be. I made a terrible mistake and it won’t happen again.”
He added a message to Skinner: “There is no excuse for my actions. I’m truly sorry to both you and your family.”
In addition to the lengthy statement he posted in a screenshot, Bett added, “Again I’m very sorry for my actions and just ask the Gator community to show that my mistake isn’t who I am!”
Gators coach Billy Napier said earlier Monday, “I think he feels as if he let the team down. It was out of character for him. He made a mistake, and he compromised the team. He made a selfish decision, he misrepresented our fans, our alumni, the university. When a young man comes into your office, and that’s his immediate concern, is how he didn’t represent this place the right way, I think that’s a good indication of his attitude towards it.”
Bett had five tackles in the game, giving him eight in two games for Florida. He transferred from Baylor, where he appeared in 10 games in 2023 and one game last year.
Napier had not yet decided on whether Bett would be suspended when Florida (1-1) plays its Southeastern Conference opener at No. 3 LSU on Saturday.
