Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
McElwain: I should have kept mum about threats
GAINESVILLE — Looking weary and even a bit defeated, UF coach Jim McElwain said he should have followed his own advice Monday rather than mention that he and his family had received death threats.
McElwain advises his staff and players to ignore criticism and other outside distractions. Instead, the 55-year-old said he let his emotions get the best of him and acknowledged two days later that he had created an unwanted distraction himself during Georgia week.
“I speak to our guys all the time and the people within our organization about shutting out the noise and not letting the clutter get to you,” McElwain said. “Sometimes things are on your mind and I go ahead and speak. It doesn’t make it right.”
McElwain’s revelation generated national headlines and cast Gator Nation as a fan base lacking perspective and too concerned with winning. The Gators (3-3, 3-2 SEC) are coming off back-to-back losses entering Saturday’s matchup with the third-ranked Bulldogs (7-0, 4-0) in Jacksonville.
During Wednesday’s SEC teleconference, McElwain extended an olive branch to fans he might have offended.
“We have an unbelievable fan base — it’s great, there’s passion,” McElwain said. “When you go into that Swamp, it’s something special and our guys feel it.”
McElwain also drew criticism for disclosing threats and then declining to provide details, not only to reporters but later to school officials, including Athletic Director Scott Stricklin.
UF later released a statement about its head football coach’s refusal to discuss the matter openly.
On Wednesday, McElwain characterized the meeting as productive and the administration as sympathetic.
“I don’t really quite understand what even the statement was,” McElwain said. “They were really good and supportive.”
McElwain still did not offer specifics, saying only that it was one or two threats that happened in the past.
“Wasn’t just spur of the moment,” he said. “It’s just something that came up and obviously was on my mind. It doesn’t make it right to air that laundry.”
McElwain said he discussed the situation with his players and does not perceive an imminent threat to anyone associated with the program.
McElwain said he ultimately regrets causing a firestorm with his comments and called it “out of character” for him to react as he did. Yet sometimes, he said, it can be difficult not to react.
“You know what? It’s hard to leave sometimes,” he said. “You know how much I care about this program, these players. Obviously, everything that goes with it.”
He even allowed that it would be a “teachable moment” — a term he often uses when discussing his players’ miscues.
“I’ve got a lot of care … for this program and these people,” he said. “At the same time, allowing a couple of things get to you, you know what — you can’t do that. And ultimately that’s the business we’re in.
“We’ll move forward and get ready to play this ballgame.”
Despite the distractions, McElwain said the Gators have practiced well the past two days amid cooler temperatures in Gainesville.
“I think the weather has something to do with it,” McElwain said of his team’s energy level. “They actually really got out there and competed. I know they are excited to get to Jacksonville.
“I know we’re ready. Guys are ready, and it should be a lot of fun.”