GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - An angry coach Will Muschamp ripped two newspapers and a website for incorrectly identifying a Florida player as being suspended for the season opener.
The 10th-ranked Gators suspended five players for Saturday's game against Toledo, but not freshman defensive linemen Jay-nard Bostwick as the three media outlets reported.
Muschamp called out The Gainesville Sun, the Palm Beach Post and Gator Country for reporting that Bostwick was suspended. He dressed, but didn't play in the 24-6 victory.
"That was very irresponsible journalism," Muschamp said during a 2-minute, 15-second tirade. "You guys can write whatever you want to say about me. You can say I'm a bad football coach. You can say I'm a bad dad, I'm a bad husband, I'm a bad person. You really can say anything you want to say; that's your opinion. You can talk about our offense, our defense, our special teams. You can talk about our coaching staff. You can talk about our administration. That's your opinion, and you're entitled to that, and that's fair.
"But when you take a shot at a kid, and it's inaccurate and it's written inaccurately, I've got a problem."
The five players suspended were linebacker Antonio Morrison, cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy, defensive tackle Darious Cummings, receiver Latroy Pittman and offensive lineman Quinteze Williams.
Muschamp said he had to deal with Bostwick's parents Friday night and again Saturday morning.
"It was inaccurate and it was wrong and it was totally irresponsible," Muschamp continued. "Your opinion is fine. Take shots at me all day. (Florida athletic director) Jeremy (Foley) pays me enough. I'll take 'em all day. But to take a shot at a freshman that's done everything we've asked him to do since he's been here. He's a great young man. He should have played today if we had gotten in some situations to play him. He's done everything we've asked him to do. He's a great teammate. He's great in that locker room, and to take that shot is wrong. ...
"Our trust is done, I can assure you that. And you know exactly who I'm talking to. I don't know where them Gator Country guys are, but I'm going to tell you right now we're done. That was completely wrong. You need to apologize to those parents and you need to apologize to that kid."
Muschamp then offered those reporters a chance to identify their sources. No one responded.
"Who was your source?" Muschamp said. "Church mice in here. If you want to write something, stand up and stand behind it. That's what I'm going to tell you. You took a shot at a kid and a family that's done nothing wrong, and it's really bad. And I'm going to meet with Mr. Foley to see if y'all will even be allowed to come back in here again. I'll be honest with you, it was a low blow for me. Our opening ball game at the University of Florida, and I'm dealing with this - bad journalism. Sources said."