Billy Napier declines comment on pulling scholarship from recruit who used offensive language in video

On Sunday, Marcus Stokes posted to social media to announce that Billy Napier and the Florida Gators had pulled his scholarship offer. Stokes, a four-star quarterback recruit in the Class of 2023, had previously flipped from Penn State to Florida in his commitment.

According to Stokes, Billy Napier decided to pull his scholarship due to a video that he posted where he used offensive language. When asked about this decision, Billy Napier declined to comment.

“We can’t comment on it,” Billy Napier said. “Per the NCAA rules.”

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NCAA rules do severely limit how coaches can speak to the media about recruits. So, speaking too deeply or directly about that decision in a press conference could lead to backlash for the Florida program.

Since Billy Napier chose to pull Marcus Stokes’ scholarship offer, Florida is down to only one quarterback committed to the Class of 2023. Now, Jaden Rashada is the only quarterback committed.

For his part, Stokes still has options going forward. He has several teams interested in him, including Penn State. The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine gives him a 66.3% chance of choosing the Nittany Lions. Interestingly, he still has a 10.5% chance of choosing the Gators.

Marcus Stokes apologized

In his statement on social media announcing that Billy Napier and Florida had pulled his scholarship offer, Marcus Stokes also apologized and explained what had happened.

“I was in my car listening to rap music, rapping along to the words and posted a video of it on social media. I deeply apologize for the words in the song that I chose to say. It was hurtful and offensive to many people, and I regret that,” Stokes said.

“I fully accept the consequences for my actions, and I respect the University of Florida’s decision to withdraw my scholarship offer to play football. My intention was never to hurt anybody and I recognize that even when going along with a song, my words carry a lot of weight. I will strive to be better and to become the best version of myself both on and off the field. I know that learning from my mistakes is a first important step.”

Billy Napier sent a message to fans amid struggles

On the field, Florida has been going through some struggles that you never expect the Gators to go through, even in a rebuilding season. However, head coach Billy Napier has a message for the fans.

“I would tell you that we’ve got a lot of folks working extremely hard. A lot of people that care,” Billy Napier said.

“There’s nobody that cares and works like this group of people. Players, staff members. The time that these people spend relative to doing their job at a high level, I would say that one day at a time, one person at a time, this group’s going to, we’re going to get it done.”