Florida Football Player Apologizes for Spitting at Opponent: ‘That’s Not the Person I Strive to Be’

A Florida Gators football player who spit on an opponent is apologizing for his actions, which ultimately led to his team losing the game against the University of South Florida on Saturday.

After defensive lineman Brendan Bett spit on USF Bulls offensive lineman Cole Skinner, he was ejected from the game with about two minutes left in play. USF went on to win, 18-16, on a last-second field goal.

In a post on Instagram, Bett called his outburst a “terrible mistake.”

“I let down my teammates, coaches, family and all of Gator Nation,” Bett wrote. “Our coaches alwaysinstill in us the value of sportsmanship, and I crossed the line.”

He continued, “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.” 

Bett also apologized to Skinner, explaining that “there is no excuse for my actions. I am truly sorry to both you and your family.”

The Gators drew a 15-yard penalty after a referee threw a flag on Bett, which resulted in a Bulls first down.

Nico Gramatica then nailed a 20-yard field goal as time expired. (Gramatica is the son of Martin “Automatica” Gramatica, who was one of the NFL’s all-time most accurate kickers.)

In media availability on Monday, Gators coach Billy Napier addressed his player’s behavior, but did not share whether Betts would be disciplined.

“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.”

He added, “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.”

The incident came 48 hours after another spitting episode in football.

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Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter spit on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in the NFL’s kickoff game on Thursday, Sept. 4.

The star defensive player later apologized for his behavior, saying “it was a mistake that happened on my side. It won’t happen again.”

“I feel bad for just my teammates and fans out there,” Carter said. “I’m doing it for them. I’m doing it for my family, also. But the fans — they showed the most love.”