The Florida Gators are getting rid of one of the school's most beloved chants, "Gator Bait" as part of a series of steps made “toward positive change against racism.” UF President Kent Fuchs said the “horrific racist imagery” associated with the “gator bait” phrase caused the school to immediately discontinue using the cheer. WDAE Host & Florida Alum Zac Blobner shares his thoughts on the move here...
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Gator Bait, Blobner's Two Bits:
We live in a climate where we are questioning things we haven’t before... & that’s NOT a bad thing.
I have never heard of anyone considering the Gator Bait chant even remotely racist until today. It’s origin at UF is well documented, when Florida Star Safety Lawerence Wright said, “if you ain’t a Gator, you’re Gator bait” during the mid 90’s dynastic run in Gainesville w/ no reference to race in any way.
Admittedly, my awareness of those potentially offended by the phrase & Wright’s origin story doesn’t dictate what is & isn’t racist.
As we continue to try to listen to others we haven’t heard before & reconsider our world around us in hopes of becoming better, I have no issue w/ UF backing away from the Gator Bait chant. I also have no issue w/ fans that plan to keep using the phrase in terms of Florida opponents.
For me, grasping to a sports chant based on my personal fandom is similar to Southerners grasping to the Confederate Flag (albeit much less insensitive).
At the end of the day it’s JUST one of many chants, it doesn’t dictate what makes Gator Nation great... change it.
Good News: It's STILL Great To Be A Florida Gator!
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Check out the official statement from the University of Florida & President Kent Fuchs below
Here's the chant in The Swamp as previously performed by the UF Band...