Add the players to the group of people I feel bad for today. As I said, almost like going through a divorce:

“It’s a very sad day for my team and I know most of you people don’t understand why we love Champ so much and I know most of you fans out there are happy that he is fired, but my teammates and I are not. He is like a father to us. He is a great role model and always preached to us that there’s more to life that football. He’s made myself and every one of my teammates a better man. The amount of passion he has for the game is something I can’t explain. And the way he cares about each of us is also something I can’t explain. If it wasn’t for him I would not be here at The University of Florida and I can promise you that. I would have stayed committed to South Carolina. When I first tore my ACL my senior year of high school Champ was the first coach to reach out to me of the 45 coaches that offered me the opportunity to play for their schools. That meant the world to me. He called me as soon as he got the news and told me not to worry about anything. He told me that they still wanted me just as bad as before I hurt my knee and had full confidence that I would recover and come back stronger and I have. He is THE reason why I am a Gator and I appreciate everything he has done for myself and this program. I know most of you will probably disagree, but Champ is a great coach. By far one of the best in the country. He will be successful wherever he ends up. We love you Champ. Thank you for everything.”