Kiffin says Tweet was just a joke

Florida Atlantic coach Lane Kiffin was joking when he made a social media comment about not covering the point spread in Friday night’s 30-25 victory over Marshall.

According to a school spokesperson, Kiffin said he made the remark in jest. The Owls, who were a 61⁄2-point favorite, took an intentional safety instead of punting late in the fourth quarter. After the game, Kiffin posted on his personal Twitter account:

“Didn’t want to cover because of too much rat poison #keptuwatching #5-0 #cometothefau #playersgetweekendoff.”

The tweet has since been deleted. Kiffin said the decision to take the safety was based on the fear of the punt getting blocked. The Owls clinched the game after Marshall was stopped on the ensuing kickoff. The mention of rat poison in the tweet was a reference used by Alabama coach Nick Saban to avoid positive media attention.

The tweet marks the second time Kiffin caused a recent social media stir. A few weeks ago, he drew criticism when he jokingly recruited Heisman Trophy quarterback Lamar Jackson to FAU. Kiffin later clarified his tweets by saying he was simply asking if Jackson was homesick. The idea of Jackson transferring is farfetched, considering he will likely turn pro after this season.

Under Kiffin, the Owls are 6-3, including 5-0 in Conference USA.

Former player, 107, dies: The University of Virginia’s oldest living football player and a member of the official statistics crew until this season has died. Dr. John Risher was 107 years old.

The school says Dr. Risher died Friday in Lynchburg, Va. He graduated in 1932 with a degree in chemistry. He attended UVA’s School of Medicine, earning his medical doctorate in 1936.

He also was a member of the 1931 Virginia football team. He saw his only game action in a season-opening 18-0 victory over Roanoke at Lambeth Field, which was the Cavaliers’ only victory that season. Risher hurt his ankle a week later.