GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Prior to his speaking engagement Tuesday night at Emerson Hall, a short walk across University Avenue from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gators head coach
Jim McElwain spoke to a small group of local reporters about the latest developments with the team and his spring speaking tour around the state.
McElwain appeared relaxed and ready to meet a large group of Titletown Gator Club members eager to get their photos taken with Florida's third-year coach and listen to his updates on the team.
"Things have been good,'' McElwain said. "A lot of energy in all the clubs, good to see."
For the next 12 minutes McElwain answered questions about the new legislation approved for an early signing date, freshman quarterback
Jake Allen and offensive lineman T.J. Moore's arrival on campus, the benefit of a 10th assistant coach and whether he might extend kicker
Eddy Pineiro's range next season after Pineiro posted a video online of him hitting an 81-yard field goal recently.
"We have to have a heavy wind behind us,'' he quipped.
As the interview neared its conclusion, Gators beat reporter Edgar Thompson of the Orlando Sentinel asked what everyone in the room knew would be asked, including McElwain's wife, Karen, who sat along a wall to her husband's left. She attends the majority of her husband's press conferences and accompanies him on the Gator Clubs speaking tour.
What did McElwain think of the viral photo on social media of a nude man on a boat straddling a dead shark?
The man, whose identity remains a mystery, has a resemblance to McElwain and Jimmy John Liautaud, founder and CEO of Jimmy John's sandwich shops. The photo has circulated heavily on social media since Friday and created a wave of profane tweets and other social media activity toward McElwain's official online accounts despite no proof he has any connection to the image. The original tweet was posted by Anneka Svenska,
a TV presenter and wildlife conservationist who lives in the United Kingdom.
McElwain's relaxed tone turned serious as he addressed the photo.
"Well, first and foremost, I don't know who it is, but it isn't me,'' he said.
When a follow-up question was asked by Thompson about McElwain's thoughts on how something like that even becomes a story in today's age, McElwain remained firm.
"I guess that's for you guys to answer,'' he said. "You know, in the world we live, what is a story? I just know this:Â it isn't me."
Moments later, after some small talk with the group, McElwain stepped outside the room to meet and greet an enthusiastic crowd ready to take a picture with the head coach.
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