SEC suspends 4 players from Vols-Gators fracas

• Mark Schlabach, ESPN Elder WriterSep 18, 2023, 05:32 PM ET Close Senior college football author Author of 7 books on college football

• Graduate of the University of Georgia

The Southeastern Conference suspended 3 Florida players and one Tennessee player for the first half of their upcoming games for flagrant unsportsmanlike actions at the end of the Gators’ 29-16 upset of the No. 11 Volunteers on Saturday night.The SEC on Monday stated in a statement that Florida offending linemen Damieon George Jr. and Micah Mazzccua and tight end Dante Zanders will be suspended for the very first half of Saturday’s game versus Charlotte. Tennessee protective lineman Omarr Norman-Lott will miss the very first half of Saturday’s game against UTSA.Editor’s Picks

1 Related”The suspensions were identified after video evaluation and consultation between the Southeastern Conference Workplace, the University of Florida and the University of Tennessee,” the league said in a statement.A scuffle broke out after Volunteers coach Josh Heupel called a timeout with 7 seconds left and his group trailing by 13 points. On 4th down, Florida quarterback Graham Mertz rushed and took a knee, however Tennessee protective lineman Omari Thomas faced Mertz and knocked him down. Both benches cleared, and Mazzccua tossed a punch at Volunteers protective back Kamal Hadden.George shoved Thomas and was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, and officials punished Thomas for targeting.George and Mazzccua started the first three games at best tackle and right guard, respectively.

Zanders is a backup who has one catch this season.Norman-Lott started the previous 2 games at protective take on for the Volunteers and had 10 tackles.After the game, Heupel protected his decision to call timeout.”That series right there, we are trying to get the ball back,” Heupel said.

“We are attempting to having a go at the end zone. I do not understand if you’re going

to have adequate time at an onside and possibly get a shot back. You are attempting to end up and contend the right way. “[ Mertz] is dancing around. Do you desire the targeting? Undoubtedly no, however the man is dancing around so you need to go take on the man, too.

Do we wish to be composed because circumstance and all situations? Definitely.”It was Florida’s 10th straight triumph over Tennessee at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. The Volunteers last won at the Swamp in 2003.