Tennessee offensive lineman Javontez Spraggins nearly came to blows following Saturday’s win over South Carolina. He had his stuffed animal stolen and was ready to throw hands.
Spraggins kept his temper as coaches and teammates tried to break things up. For that, he is grateful.
Just wanted to say thank you God for giving me strength 🙏
— Javontez Spraggins on X, formerly known as Twitter
Yes, this was all over a stuffed animal. But not just any stuffed animal.
Spraggins has this thing he does after wins in Knoxville. The 6-foot-3, 325-pound senior parades around a plush toy version of the mascot of the team that the Volunteers just beat.
He did it with the Florida Gators in the past. Same with LSU.
Spraggins did it with the Gamecocks on Saturday night. He carried a stuffed rooster around on the field as both teams made their way back into the locker rooms.
South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori did not appreciate the gesture and ripped the stuffed gamecock from Spraggins’ hands. Offensive lineman Sidney Fugar was also in the mix as things escalated right up to the point that that punches started to fly. It came awfully close!
Fortunately, nothing came of the incident. There was no contact involved, which kept a full-blown brawl from breaking out. Fugar, Emmanwori and Spraggins were all fuming and the anger was visible in their eyes.
If staffers hadn’t stepped in to deescalate the situation, it would have been ugly. They were ready to go for each other’s necks.
A fight did not ensue, but Spraggins is down a stuffed cock. He never got it back.
Need a new 🐔
— Javontez Spraggins on X, formerly known as Twitter
College football is a totally normal sport! Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.