We expected the football game against the South Florida Bulls Saturday would be forgotten within weeks, with the hardest games of this season right around the corner. But it will now live in infamy.
There's a lot to talk about that game, including the state of the most recent AP poll or how annoying FSU fans are about the Gators’ loss. But one incident overshadowed the scoreboard. As the clock dwindled down — the game already teetering on chaos — referees flagged UF defensive linebacker Brendan Bett for unsportsmanlike conduct after he spit on a USF player.
The act didn’t just give the Bulls the upper hand. It also ignited a storm of responses from fans, coaches and commentators asking where competitiveness ends and disrespect begins.
Let’s get the logistical stuff out of the way first. This game was bound to cause a stir, with the Gators racking up 11 penalties, a stark contrast to the first game of the season against Long Island University Aug. 30. The penalty went down in the fourth quarter, right in front of a referee, who immediately ejected Bett from the game. Two minutes later, the Bulls came out victorious.
The post-game interview felt extremely disheartening — “inexcusable” being the standout word from Gators coach Billy Napier. YouTube and Instagram comments expressed fans' frustrations with both Bett and Napier. The moment stands to be another stain on the already less-than-favorable opinion on Napier.
I think it's fair to say the penalty was justified. The SEC lives off of intensity and pushes players to their limits. However, a line needs to be drawn.
Spitting isn’t just bad sportsmanship. It’s disrespectful. Even if this was just a moment of poor judgement, it was a moment broadcasted for millions to see, reflecting on a proud program. For some Gators fans, it may be a reminder of the notorious shoe throw against LSU (for what it's worth, that game also ended in an upset that was a result of the unsportsmanlike penalty). Passion on the field is one thing, but when it turns into blatant disrespect, it benefits no one. It’s time to hold players accountable and expect better.
This is more than just one player's mistake one time; it speaks to a larger issue in college sports today. As the pressure to win grows stronger and rivalries grow more aggressive, the line between passion and poor sportsmanship gets blurred.
College athletes are under more scrutiny than ever, with anything and everything they do likely to end up on social media platforms like YikYak or Instagram — and the entire student body ready to pounce on their mistakes.
Moments like this remind us that the lessons on the field extend further than the last drive. Coaches, players and schools must always prioritize respect and integrity. Winning isn’t really everything, especially if it means losing the values that made winning meaningful in the first place. If we lose sight of that, the very spirit of competition will be overshadowed by damaged reputations and divided fanbases.
At the end of the day, this is a reminder football isn’t just about how hard you play or who wins, but how you carry yourself under the stadium lights. The more disrespectful the game gets, the less fun it is for everyone involved. Bett’s mistake should really have everyone asking what kind of culture we want to see in the swamp. Yes, winning is great, but it's not worth losing the values or respect that made the game special in the first place.
If this keeps up, we are in for a long season.
Riley Brinser is a 19-year-old Santa Fe sustainability studies student
