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WATCH: Billy Napier goes off on sidelines after controversial review decision by officials

by:Austin Brezina•09/24/22•

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Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images

During their matchup with Tennessee, Florida coach Billy Napier drew a penalty after arguing with officials over a decision to review a play. In the third quarter of the close game, Tennessee had a rush stuffed at the one-yard line that Volunteers coach Josh Heupel felt should have warranted review by the officials. As the play clock ran down on their next play, Heupel called a timeout to stop the game and discuss the previous play with the officials.

Meanwhile, Napier felt that the timeout was extended to give the conversation more time as he began waving his hands on the sideline to hurry up and resume play. Eventually the game’s officials made the call to review the previous touchdown try, leading to a major outburst by the Florida coach on the sidelines as three coaches held him back.

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Ultimately, the play drew even more controversy during the review as Tennessee fans felt the video replay clearly showed Jabari Small cross the goal line with his helmet and shoulders — which would indicate that the football was also in the end zone. Surprisingly, to Heupel and the Volunteers fans, the officials ruled the call on the field stood as a stopped run without clear evidence of the football being in the end zone.

Despite the ruling in Florida’s favor, the outburst by Napier on the sidelines resulted in him being penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct — leading to a fresh set of downs for Tennessee and half the distance to the goal. With the ball already on the one-yard line, Tennessee had no problems pounding in the very next play for a touchdown to take a 31-21 lead.

Although originally Tennessee would have had two more chances at the touchdown anyways, on a third-and-goal after the official review, the moment led to Napier continuing his argument with the officials as he felt the whole situation was handled poorly.