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Tim Brando's remarks on Florida Football fans ignore reality for the SEC

The longtime sports broadcaster called Florida's fanbase toxic

By Benjamin Henderson

Dec 28, 2013; Syracuse, NY, USA; CBS broadcasters Tim Brando (left) and Bill Raftery (right) prior to the game between the Villanova Wildcats and the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse defeated Villanova 78-62. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2013; Syracuse, NY, USA; CBS broadcasters Tim Brando (left) and Bill Raftery (right) prior to the game between the Villanova Wildcats and the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse defeated Villanova 78-62. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports / Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
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It's July and that means it is talking season for Florida Football fans and everyone else around the country. By this point we all know how hard the schedule will be and that Billy Napier is in the hot seat for 2024. That's nothing new.

But just because it is talking season doesn't mean everyone is great at it. That includes guys who made their career off of talking.

Florida Football: Toxicity In Our City

Appearing on the show Crain & Company, longtime sports broadcaster Tim Brando, formerly with CBS Sports and now with Fox Sports, was asked about the Florida Gators. Let's see what Mr. Brando had to say:

"There is no getting around it, Billy Napier is under the gun"

Yep, that is true.

"And Florida's fanbase is so toxic. And I don't mind pissing you off Florida fans, I really don't"

Oh, well that seems a bit harsh but let's find out the rationale why Florida and Florida alone is toxic.

"You got to know who and what you are. And yeah, (Steve) Spurrier did great things for you.... but where was that program beforehand? Nowhere. After he leaves, had a real quick trigger on (Ron) Zook. Real quick. I don't think (Zook) did an awful job.... Urban (Meyer) comes in, and you had this player who was so transformative with Tim Tebow... that's how you got on that run... The Florida people believe, "Hell, we're as good as Alabama. We're as good as Michigan." No, you're not."

Okay, pause. By the logic that Florida was nothing before Steve Spurrier, Penn State was nothing before Joe Paterno, FSU was nothing before Bobby Bowden, Ohio State was nothing before Woody Hayes, and so on.

Are Florida fans supposed to just kiss the ring in perpetuity of the teams who were good before the invention of color TV?

Yes, Florida had a quick hook on Zook. How did that work out them? Oh right, two more national titles, only one of which Tebow started. Don't forget about Chris Leak.

See the problem with this logic from Brando is that it lives in a universe that ignores the realities of every other SEC fanbase and tries to paint Florida on an island of exclusiveness of toxicity.

Alabama fired Mike DuBose and Mike Shula after four years, and their fans poison trees. Tennessee fans blocked the hiring of Greg Schiano and throw batteries on the field. Georgia had one national title in school history and still fired Mark Richt after going 9-3. Texas A&M hasn't won a national title since 1939 but keeps throwing ungodly money at coaches. Auburn and LSU both fired coaches less than two years after winning a national title. Mississippi State fired Joe Morehead after two seasons of success that aligned with their history. Missouri had only topped ten wins six times in program history but still fired Barry Odom after he made a bowl for three straight seasons.

Are Florida fans toxic? Indeed.

Are Florida fans alone in their toxicity in the SEC? Not even close.

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