University of Florida head coach Jon Sumrall had a heated reaction when a reporter's phone began ringing during his first SEC Media Day press conference as the Gators' coach.
"You'd be kicked out of our team meeting," Sumrall told the reporter, drawing laughter from the audience. "I swear. You're lucky I'm not going to throw my freakin' podium right now. It drives me crazy."
Sumrall, who arrived from Tulane, is tasked with revitalizing a Florida program that parted ways with coach Billy Napier midway through the 2025 season. At Tulane, Sumrall led the team to a 30-6 record over two seasons, including an appearance in the College Football Playoff last season.
While some reporters at the event laughed, there was ambiguity regarding the seriousness of Sumrall's outburst. Former Indiana college basketball coach Tom Crean publicly criticized Sumrall on X, questioning the need for such a "performative reaction" and the public embarrassment of the reporter.
"He can't be serious on embarrassing that person," Crean wrote. "Do you think they meant for the Phone to go off ? Did it really need that performative reaction? At least you got laughs at that persons expense. They DON'T work for you or play for you. Their job is important to them too!!"
Sumrall later responded to Crean, clarifying that he was joking. "You are right Tom. I wasn't serious. I was joking."
