Gators, Missouri release joint statement about Saturday night’s fight

The Florida Gators and Missouri Tigers released a joint statement Sunday morning about the fight that broke out as the teams were headed for halftime.

“The actions at the end of the first half of last night’s game do not reflect the values of our program or University,” the joint statement said. "We are committed to healthy competition and good sportsmanship. The clean play without incident in the second half is how we expect to represent both institutions and the SEC.

“We believe both programs will use this moment to learn from so that future incidents like this do not happen.”

The fight appeared to start after a late hit on UF quarterback Kyle Trask on the final play of the half. Coach Dan Mullen was steaming afterward and had to be restrained twice.

After the game, Mullen said he went onto the field to try to keep his players from getting into trouble with a massive game coming up against Georgia. Tigers coach Eliah Drinkwitz said he wasn’t sure what started it all.

“I don’t know why they were running over to our hash,” Drinkwitz said. “I have no idea what they were yelling about. We’ll take a look at the film and I’m sure we’ll find out more tomorrow when we watch the tape. Film doesn’t lie.”

That film will surely be reviewed by the SEC’s office for possible suspensions and/or fines. The league has not said anything publicly as of Sunday morning. Three players were ejected in the incident.

The Gators play Georgia at 3:30 Saturday in Jacksonville in a game that will likely decide the SEC East title.