Florida Gators Head Coach, Jim McElwain apologized Monday after a sideline tirade went viral after the Gators 31- 24 win over East Carolina Saturday night.
After junior running back Kelvin Taylor was penalized for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for making a throat slashing motion following a late 4th quarter touchdown, McElwain went on a profanity-laden rant against Taylor when he reached the sideline. It was a frustrating game for McElwain as Taylor’s penalty was only one of Florida’s 12 for the day.
At a Monday press conference, McElwain said he regretted his behavior after speaking with his 94-year old mother.
“Yeah, I definitely did [learn from it]. I’m pretty passionate about what we do,” McElwain said during his press conference. “There’s no doubt about it. I’m not proud about it and neither is my mother. … 94 years old and I got an earful from her too. Rightfully so.”
The video of McElwain, screaming went viral, as some on twitter became disgusted at the coach’s behavior, even though the Taylor, the recipient of the verbal assault had no issues with it.
I love coach Mac!!! He’s going make me a better person Got nothing , but respect for him! #GatorNation 🐊🐊
— KT21 (@Kelvintaylor21) September 13, 2015
While Taylor is not upset by his coach’s outburst, his father former NFL running back Fred Taylor did take issue with the way McElwain handled the situation.
“I don’t think he should test his manhood,” said Fred Taylor on ESPN Radio’s “Dan LeBartard Show.” “I think it was a little bit extensive, a little bit much. They’ll figure it out. Either my son is going to fall to it, or he’s going to use it as motivation, as I told him, and go out and play some real ball.”
According to Fred Taylor, his son has now been demoted to third string on Florida’s depth for next week’s game against Kentucky.