‘Gator Bait’ cheer returns to the Swamp during Jon Sumrall’s Florida debut

In Gainesville, Florida, the "Gator Bait" cheer made its triumphant return following a six-year absence at the opening of the Florida Gators' season on Saturday night. The cheer was revived just moments after Florida sophomore receiver Vernell Brown scored a 49-yard touchdown, propelling the team to a 7-0 lead. This return was a direct result of the new school president, Jon Sumrall's, first game in charge.

The cheer had been banned in June 2020 by previous president, Stuart Bell, over concerns of racial insensitivity tied to its history. However, Sumrall's predecessor, Kent Fuchs, had originally made the decision, citing the "horrific racist imagery" associated with the cheer. The cheer's history dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries where it was depicted in racist imagery, including art featuring alligator hunters using Black babies to lure gators.

Despite this, the university's band had recently practiced the cheer, leading to its spontaneous performance after the touchdown. Newly appointed president Stuart Bell had previously expressed his appreciation for college football traditions and hoped for constructive dialogues about the cheer's history.