Florida Gators Discontinue Well-Known ‘Gator Bait’ Chant, President Cites ‘Historic Racist Imagery’
By 24/7 Sports, Thomas Goldkamp // June 18, 2020
“Gator Bait” phrase and chant began in 1995
ABOVE VIDEO: Gator Band – Gator Bait
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – One of Florida’s most well-known cheers at sporting events will be discontinued in an effort to become part of positive change against racism, university president Kent Fuchs announced in a letter to the UF community on Thursday.
The famous “Gator Bait” chant will no longer be performed by the Gator Band or anyone associated with the University Athletic Association.
“While I know of no evidence of racism associated with our “Gator Bait” cheer at UF sporting events, there is horrific historic racist imagery associated with the phrase. Accordingly, University Athletics and the Gator Band will discontinue the use of the cheer.”
The cheer has frequently been used after a quick band intro, followed by fans chomping twice with their arms and cheering “Gator Bait.”
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