Florida head coach Billy Napier strongly addressed the fallout from defensive lineman Brendan Bett’s ejection during the Gators’ 18-16 upset loss to South Florida. Bett was removed in the fourth quarter after spitting on Bulls offensive lineman Cole Skinner, a decision that drew sharp criticism.
Napier labeled Bett’s conduct “remorseful.” The incident highlighted what many saw as an uncharacteristic lapse in discipline and played a damaging role in Florida’s effort to avoid disappointment in a game that ended in a shocking two-point defeat.
Billy Napier Responds After Brendan Bett’s Ejection for Spitting on Cole Skinner
Florida head coach Billy Napier addressed the fallout surrounding defensive lineman Brendan Bett after his late-game ejection in Saturday’s 18-16 loss to South Florida. The redshirt sophomore drew a 15-yard penalty with less than two minutes left when he spit on Bulls offensive lineman Cole Skinner.
The penalty handed USF a first down, which extended a drive capped by Nico Gramatica’s 20-yard field goal. The kick secured the Bulls’ first-ever victory over the Gators.
Napier said Bett has expressed regret.
“He feels like he let the team down. In general it was out of character for him, and he made a mistake…There will be some internal discipline,” Napier said.
The coach added that Bett intends to apologize to his teammates and will also reach out personally to Skinner.
Florida head coach Billy Napier says redshirt sophomore Brendan Bett is “remorseful” for his spitting penalty: “He feels like he let the team down. In general it was out of character for him, and he made a mistake…There will be some internal discipline.”
Napier notes he’ll…
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall) September 8, 2025
During his weekly press conference, Napier emphasized the seriousness of the incident.
“I think he feels as if he let the team down. 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.”
Teammates echoed the coach’s stance.
“There’s no place for that as an individual and certainly representing the University of Florida. There’s no place for that here,” cornerback Devin Moore said. “This is a prestigious program, and that will be addressed for sure.”
With a road trip to LSU looming, Napier confirmed no decision has been made on whether Bett will face a suspension for that game.
Napier adds the Gators haven’t made a decision whether or not Bett will be suspended vs. LSU. https://t.co/uNmvP0nEqH
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall) September 8, 2025
The defeat dropped Florida to 20-20 under Napier, now in his fourth year leading the program. The Gators committed 11 penalties for 103 yards and faltered in the red zone, issues that contributed to another disappointing outcome.
