Mullen stands by “pack Swamp” remark

GAINESVILLE, FLA. » Florida coach Dan Mullen was given several more chances Monday to clarify any confusion regarding his comments about wanting to pack 90,000 screaming fans inside Florida Field during the coronavirus pandemic.

He declined each of them, brushing aside criticism and insisting he’s focused on defending national champion LSU.

He was asked: Did you have any discussions with your boss, athletic director Scott Stricklin, about what you said following a 41- 38 loss at Texas A& M?

“No, I’ve been worried about trying to beat LSU,” Mullen said.

Then: Any regrets two days later? Did you talk with school president Kent Fuchs?

“Yeah, I’ve been preparing for LSU. But, I mean, I’ll be honest. I think if you look at what we’ve been able to do, the safety precautions we have that our players have followed, our coaches follow, our staff follows, you know, I think we’re a model of safety of what we’ve been doing during this time period.”

Another follow- up: Do you understand how bad it could be having so many people, with or without masks, in cramped quarters for four hours?

“I think Texas A& M actually, they created a great atmosphere at the game, created an exciting atmosphere, you know?,” the coach said. “I thought they did a great job of doing that. … I haven’t talked to people because I’ve been really focused on trying to beat LSU.

“But, you know, whatever our government officials all say and what everybody does for the game, what we do need to do is however many people they allow into the stadium, we need to try to work as hard as we can — all the Gator fans and all of us — to create the best gameday atmosphere we can.”

No college or professional team in the Sunshine State has moved beyond a small percentage of fans in attendance. The Gators had 2,000 of a nearly 17,000 allotment unsold for their home opener two weeks ago.