Florida’s Brendan Bett apologizes after spitting ejection that helped USF stun No. 13 Gators
Defensive lineman ejected for spitting on USF lineman; coach says Bett will face internal discipline
Florida defensive lineman Brendan Bett apologized Monday after being ejected for spitting in the face of South Florida offensive lineman Cole Skinner late in Saturday’s game, an act that drew an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty and preceded the Bulls’ game-winning drive.
“ I want to sincerely apologize for my actions in the game this past Saturday,” Bett wrote in an Instagram post. “I let down my teammates, coaches, family and all of 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.”
The incident occurred following a snap in the fourth quarter when Bett rose from the ground, stepped into Skinner’s face, and spat before turning away and being shoved by Skinner. Bett was assessed an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty and ejected. On the next play, USF quarterback Byrum Brown completed a 29-yard pass to Alvon Isaac to reach the Florida 32-yard line, setting up Nico Gramatica’s 20-yard field goal as time expired that gave South Florida an 18-16 upset over the No. 13 Gators.
Head coach Billy Napier told reporters Monday that Bett will face “some internal discipline,” but declined to say whether that will include a suspension for Florida’s upcoming game against LSU, according to ESPN. “I think he feels as if he let the team down,” Napier said. “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.”
In his Instagram post directed to Skinner, Bett addressed the player and his family directly: “There is no excuse for my actions. I’m truly sorry to both you and your family.” Bett also apologized to his own family, friends and the wider Florida community, saying he took “full responsibility” and asking to move forward.
Bett, a redshirt sophomore who transferred to Florida after two seasons at Baylor, became the second player in three days to be ejected for spitting during an early-season game. Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter was ejected in Thursday’s NFL opener for spitting in the face of Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
The timing of Bett’s penalty — in the closing moments of a one-possession game — amplified its impact. Florida had been favored and entered the matchup ranked No. 13; the Bulls’ field goal as time expired capped a final drive that began immediately after Bett’s ejection.
The university and coaching staff have not released further details about the discipline to be imposed, and Florida’s roster status for Bett for the next game remains unresolved as of Monday. The program did not announce any additional comments from South Florida or Skinner in response to Bett’s apology.