After meeting with the NCAA earlier this week, Florida sophomore defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd has been ordered to pay back approximately $2,700 to a charity before he can compete for Florida again on the football field.
In a statement released by the University of Florida athletic department, Gator coach Will Muschamp did not mince words when it came to his reaction over the issue. He said the penalty to Floyd was too severe, and that penalty includes having to sit two games per the NCAA.
“I am angered, disgusted, and extremely disappointed that Sharrif will have to miss two games,” Muschamp said in the statement.
Muschamp went on to say that Floyd is “what is good about college athletics” and that his life is about “triumph, honesty, integrity, determination, perseverance and character.”
Still, the NCAA ruled that Floyd received improper benefits prior to enrollment at Florida, including transportation and lodging during recruiting trips to other schools. And it said Floyd also received cash over several months from someone not associated with the university. He will miss Saturday’s game against UAB and he could also miss the Tennessee game if he does not make the repayments outlined by the NCAA.
“I have two sons at home, if they end up like Sharrif I will consider myself a successful father,” Muschamp added in his statement.