A Super Regional series between the Florida Gators softball team and Texas Tech was marked by tension, culminating in the Gators’ decision not to shake hands after their loss. The series saw former UF player Mia Williams, now with Texas Tech, getting hit five times in three games. Florida’s athletic director, Scott Stricklin, has since commented on the situation.
Fallout From Tense Super Regional Series
Stricklin admitted he wasn’t paying close attention to the Super Regional series loss to Texas Tech. He was working with the NCAA Division I baseball tournament selection committee. However, he learned that the Florida Gators opted not to participate in the customary post-game handshake with Texas Tech. According to Stricklin, the series was highly charged.
Stricklin said he respected the decision made by the UF players, given the circumstances. He believes any decision coach Tim Walton made was in the spirit of trying to prevent further issues. Walton was ejected before the end of UF’s 16-7 loss to Texas Tech in the deciding Game 3 of the series.
Walton’s Perspective on Handshake Decision
Walton said he wasn’t consulted about the decision not to shake hands. However, he thought it may have been for the better given the anxiety of the series. Walton noted concerns about a potential bench-clearing brawl.
Stricklin on College Football Playoff Expansion
Stricklin is at SEC Spring Meetings at the Sandestin Resort. Much of the focus has centered on the potential expansion of the College Football Playoff. Stricklin is a proponent for playoff expansion.
He said there’s a math problem, noting there are 68 power conference schools and 11 spots. He added that there’s no other sport where fewer than half of the teams in the SEC get in the postseason. Stricklin doesn’t know if the answer is 16 or 24 teams at this point.
Stricklin said more evaluation is needed to understand the value in the media marketplace. He also stated a need to understand the impact it does have on the regular season.