First was the Jaden Rashada lawsuit controversy, then the Cormani McClain “removed from team” controversy. Looks like Gators HC Billy Napier just can’t catch a break. Something that started as a rumor from an account on X on 16th July claiming that “Cormani McClain has been removed from the University of Florida football” has now turned into this entire he-said-she-said fiasco.

Polkway, the account that had initially tweeted about McClain’s removal, took to X again on 16th July and posted something odd. “Truthfully if I’m UF I don’t want to kick Cormani off the team, it will make their decision making look TERRIBLE. It makes Napier look like he has no control over his team, of course they would come out and deny it. Don’t attack our prestige!!” According to Polkway, his stance on McClain’s removal is clear. He wants McClain to stick to the Gators, and his reasoning is quite valid.

Playing the devil’s advocate here but if McClain is truly removed because of being “late” or “inconsistent” in meetings and workout sessions (highlighted by On3’s Nick De La Torre as the main reason for his removal) it does not look good for Billy Napier. While he is already dealing with the lawsuit issues, losing a star player from the team for a weak reason like that seems lame and awkward. While it is still not unclear what’s going on in the Gator’s locker room, Will Harris, DB for the Gators already dismissed the rumors. However, could this be the start of another major fallout for Florida and Billy Napier?

Bumpy road

As Nick had said on On3, “You’re not going to be liked in the locker room if your tardiness/immaturity is causing the rest of your team to have to run…Just immature. Needs to grow up.” Looks like McClain would need more than just raw talent to save his boat. His overall presence in the team has come under major fire because of all the ongoing drama. “This is because a well-respected coach like Napier is not going to put someone out there he cannot trust, one who has not earned the trust of his teammates. Football is a team sport,” John Buhler from FanSided has mentioned regarding the scenario. Yes, the kid is a good player on the field but he needs to have the proper connection with the team and his HC as well, so being late or being casual will not bode well for the QB.

With the season almost here, Billy Napier would want his team in a proper spot and so will all the Gators fans. And If McClain does not get his head in the game in time, then guess the rumors won’t stay rumors anymore. Let’s hope McClain listens to Deion Sanders Jr.’s advice and starts to “care about this sh*t.”