Steve Spurrier Criticizes Florida Player After Spitting Ejection in Loss to South Florida

Steve Spurrier sharply criticized Florida defensive lineman Brendan Bett after Bett was ejected for spitting on a South Florida player during the Gators’ 18-16 loss on Saturday night.

Bett was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected, a penalty that cost Florida yards during a South Florida drive that helped the Bulls secure the victory. The incident occurred at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025, and drew immediate attention from former and current coaches.

Spurrier, who led Florida to a national championship in 1996, called the act "stupid" and criticized what he described as a trend. Speaking on the Anthony Dooley Noted Podcast, Spurrier said, "We thought our defense might hold them but then had that stupid spitting penalty that has become the fashion. I guess he saw the NFL guy do it and said, ‘I can do it.’ I hope not. But that was ridiculous."

Spurrier’s comments referenced an incident earlier in the week in the NFL when Philadelphia defensive lineman Jalen Carter spat at Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott during a Thursday night game that opened the regular season.

Florida coach Bill Napier said Bett has expressed remorse and will face internal discipline from the program. "The kid is remorseful," Napier said. "He feels as if he let the team down. In general, 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 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," Napier added.

Bett issued a social-media apology following the game. "I want to sincerely apologize for my actions in the game this past Saturday," he wrote. "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 penalty occurred during a South Florida possession in the second half and forced Florida to give the Bulls more favorable field position. South Florida capitalized and held on for an 18-16 win. Bett’s ejection removed a starter from a Florida defensive line that had earlier shown promise in the game but could not stop the Bulls down the stretch.

The incident has prompted wider conversation about on-field conduct at both collegiate and professional levels after similar episodes in recent days. Napier’s remarks focused on accountability and remorse, while Spurrier framed the moment as part of a troubling pattern.

Florida will return to action next weekend as it seeks to regroup from the loss and the controversy. Bett’s status with the program beyond the internal discipline has not been detailed by the coaching staff.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.