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Bret Bielema Apologizes For Florida, Ole Miss Comments
Bret Bielema jabbed Florida, calling the Gators the "new Ole Miss" during a segment on ESPN on National Signing Day, but has since apologized.
February 3, 2016Bret Bielema tells the world how he really feels about Florida and Ole Miss.
UPDATE II: Jim McElwain responds to Bret Bielema’s comments.
UPDATE I: Bielema has since apologized for his comments, stating that they came across wrong and were meant to be a compliment to the Gators. He also called Freeze to inform him of such.
Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema is using some of his signing day time to jab fellow SEC teams. During a segment on ESPN2 on Wednesday, Bielema called out Florida’s recruiting tactics, comparing them to Ole Miss.
“It’s a different world recruiting against these guys,” Bielema said without hesitation. “You never know what’s coming. Got a couple of teams, like Florida, kind of the new Ole Miss. They’re doing some things in recruiting that just kind of shocks you a little bit.”
The Rebels are currently under NCAA investigation for “roughly 30 violations,” however the claims against the football program mainly stem from Houston Nutt’s tenure from 2008-2011. Former offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil was also part of an investigation. He received a significant suspension last season for receiving improper benefits.
Hugh Freeze’s high level of recruiting has been questioned by some, but there’s been no real basis to those claims.
If nothing else, this should provide for some interesting talking points next time Bielema crosses paths with McElwain and Freeze.
