Florida Gators defensive tackle Brendan Bett has publicly apologized for spitting at an opponent during a critical moment in their game against South Florida, an incident that resulted in his ejection and contributed to a narrow loss for the team. The incident occurred in the fourth quarter of the game on September 6, 2025, when Bett spit at USF offensive lineman Cole Skinner. This action drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and led to Bett’s immediate ejection from the game. The penalty proved costly as it gave USF a first down during their final drive. Following the game, Bett issued a heartfelt apology on his Instagram account on Monday, September 8. He expressed deep regret, stating that he let down his teammates, coaches, family, and all of Gator Nation. He specifically apologized to Skinner and his family, acknowledging that there was no excuse for his behavior. Florida head coach Billy Napier addressed the incident during a news conference, confirming that Bett would face internal discipline. Napier emphasized that while the action was out of character for Bett, it was a selfish decision that compromised the team. The coach mentioned that no decision has been made yet regarding a suspension for the upcoming game against LSU. The spitting penalty occurred at a pivotal moment, with about two minutes left in the game. USF capitalized on the advantage, driving down the field and securing a 20-yard field goal by Nico Gramatica as time expired, resulting in an 18-16 victory for the Bulls. This marked USF’s first win over Florida in school history. Bett, who transferred to Florida from Baylor this year, has been described by teammates as a generally positive and remorseful individual. Quarterback DJ Lagway noted that Bett was emotional after the game, apologizing to everyone involved. This incident is not the first under Napier’s tenure; last year, another player was ejected for spitting. The loss to USF has intensified pressure on Coach Napier, who now holds a 20-20 record in his fourth season. The Gators were penalized 11 times for 103 yards in the game, highlighting discipline issues. With a challenging schedule ahead, including games against several ranked teams, the team must address these problems quickly. In response to the incident, Napier stressed the importance of learning from mistakes and moving forward. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to rebound, drawing parallels to last season’s recovery after a tough loss. The focus is now on preparing for the next game and ensuring that such incidents do not recur. The apology and subsequent discussions underscore the values of sportsmanship and accountability in college athletics. As the Gators look to bounce back, this event serves as a reminder of the consequences of unsportsmanlike conduct and the importance of maintaining composure under pressure.