GAINESVILLE — Florida’s “Gator Bait” cheer returned from a six-year ban following the first touchdown of the Jon Sumrall era.
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During the opening quarter of Saturday night’s season opener against Florida Atlantic, fans responded to a once-familiar cue from the school band with words the university ended in June 2020 because of concerns about possible racial undertones.
New school president Stuart Bell, however, hinted the controversial Gator Bait cheer could return for the 2026 season.
During an interview in June on the “The Frangie Show” on 1010XL in Jacksonville, the incoming president said he appreciated the traditions that define college football programs.
“I know there’s a lot around the Gator Bait (cheer),” Bell said. “It’s meaningful to the Gator family. I hope we’re able to have some really great conversations around that.”
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Former UF president Kent Fuchs announced the popular cheer would be banned at sporting events because of the “horrific racist imagery” associated with the phrase, dating to the 19th century.
Art depicting alligator hunters using Black babies to lure the animals into the open was popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The decision came amid a broader national reckoning on race following the murder of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis.
The cheer’s return Saturday night in the Swamp was anticipated after video clips appeared on social media this week of the school band practicing the musical tune.
The band played it when FAU took the field after Florida sophomore receiver Vernell Brown’s III 49-yard touchdown catch gave the Gators a 7-0 lead. Fans responded loudly with the words, “Gator Bait.”
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Edgar Thompson can be reached at [email protected]