Florida Gulf Coast University’s Student Body issued an apology to UF after students at an FGCU pep rally shouted vulgar chants broadcasted on live TV.
FGCU Student Body President Peter Cuderman apologized in an email to UF Student Body President Tj Villamil after students chanted “F--- the Gators” during an ESPN broadcast.
The FGCU Eagles will play the Gators in the South Region semifinal of the NCAA basketball tournament Friday. The Eagles are the first No. 15 seed to advance to the Sweet 16 in the tournament’s history, according to ESPN.
Cuderman wrote the negative chants do not reflect on the university.
“Often times, excitement and a new experience can cause rash and hasty decisions to be made,” he wrote in the apology email. “In this moment of excitement for our young school, I hope that you will accept our expression of regret.”
Villamil said he understood the students got caught in the heat of the moment.
He said he was surprised by the apology.
“It was one of those things that showed the character of their student representatives on campus,” he said.
FGCU Student Body President-elect Juan Cubillo said he read Cuderman’s apology.
“People just decided to show their competitive nature the wrong way,” he said. “I’m sure most of them would change the chant that they did to not get negative publicity.”
Contact Colleen Wright at cwright@alligator.org.
