"We just wanted to make sure our player was safe": Brian Kelly breaks silence on SEC punishing Billy Napier's Florida coach with big suspension

LSU coach Brian Kelly reacted to the joint decision of the SEC and Florida to suspend Gators associate coach Jabbar Juluke for three games for his involvement in a pregame altercation before their Week 3 clash last week.

In a statement, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said that Juluke's punishment was appropriate and took note of the coaches' primary role of pacifying any heated argument or unruly situation on the field.

Kelly spoke to the media on Thursday and gave his reaction to the SEC commissioner's ruling.

“Our commissioner has a better sense on issuing those penalties,” Kelly said. “For me, we just wanted to make sure that our player was safe and that he was okay."

"So, making sure that that was the priority on our end and whatever happened relative to suspensions/sanctions are out of our hands. We want to take care of our player and that’s what we did this week,” the Tigers coach added.

Juluke, who also serves as Florida's running backs coach, was seen on video attempting to slap LSU safety Joel Rodgers before the kickoff. The action led to a scuffle, causing the game officials to throw a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct.

The three-game suspension meant that the Florida associate coach will miss Florida’s games against No. 4 Miami, No. 8 Texas and No. 10 Texas A&M. It is also a big blow for embattled Gators coach Billy Napier, who is rumored to be on the chopping block due to his 1-2 start this season.

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Jabbar Juluke apologizes to LSU and Florida

Florida associate coach Jabbar Juluke released a public apology for what transpired in the pregame last Saturday.

He apologized to both schools, Tigers safety Joel Rodgers and his family and the staff of both teams and fans for his conduct.

Juluke, who was once a running backs coach for LSU, pledged to use the suspension as a learning experience in self-control.

"On Saturday, I reacted in a manner I’m not proud of. There’s no excuse for my behavior and I take full responsibility for my actions," the Florida associate coach said. "In this game, emotional situations occur and bad reactions happen. I regret my reaction and commit to using this moment to strengthen my emotional intelligence."

Florida's rushing is on a decline in the first three games. After starting the season with 200 rushing yards against LIU, the Gators were held to 133 yards in the loss to South Florida

It further went down in Saturday's loss to LSU, with Florida coming up with only 79 rushing yards in 27 carries.

The Gators are in a tough situation going into the game against Miami after losing two straight against South Florida and LSU. Another setback for the highly ranked Hurricanes would further dampen their hopes for the college football playoff.