Florida basketball: Fans upset Mike White benched Omar Payne for breaking Tennessee player’s face
Florida basketball coach Mike White sat Omar Payne for the NCAA Tournament after an elbowing incident against Tennessee in the SEC Tournament.
Mike White is taking a stand in the NCAA Tournament by sitting Omar Payne.
The Florida Gators are playing their Round of 64 game against Virginia Tech without the sophomore forward after his actions against Tennessee in the SEC Tournament.
Payne was whistled for a flagrant foul for his elbow to Tennessee’s John Fulkerson which left him with a facial fracture. While the SEC and NCAA didn’t levy any further punishment toward Payne, White felt it was necessary to discipline Payne for his actions.
That led to many on social media questioning White for taking the moral high ground when the season is on the line. Of course, they would have the same reaction if the roles were reversed and their season wasn’t on the line.
Mike White personally suspends Omar Payne DURING A TOURNAMENT GAME?? If they lose he should absolutely be fired. #MarchMadness
— 23_Tall (@23_cheater) March 19, 2021
Mike white not allowing Omar Payne to play is another example of his incompetence there’s time to teach someone a lesson and then there’s March madness we need him in the game!
— 🦕 (@barnsy2014) March 19, 2021
Others commended White for doing what was right.
Good on @MikeWhiteUF for benching Omar Payne for the game vs. VA Tech today. Did what the @SEC and @NCAA should’ve done.
— Dee Gilbert (@DMG719) March 19, 2021
The fact that Mike Young made Omar Payne sit out today due to what he did is such a bold/respected move #respect
— Blake Benson (@Blakebenson05) March 19, 2021
Omar Payne apologized for his elbow to John Fulkerson
“I’m sorry for what transpired yesterday and deeply regret the incident,” Payne tweeted. “I have nothing but respect for John and Tennessee program. Especially, their support for my brother Keyontae this season. I’ve apologized to John and wanted to also say I’m sorry publicly to him, the Tennessee team and Coach Barnes. I wish them the best on their NCAA tournament run.”
Payne averaged 3.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game for Florida while playing an average of 15.9 minutes per game.
Florida and Virginia Tech are playing on CBS.
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