On June 11th, Joker Phillips, the University of Florida’s wide receiver coach for the past two seasons, resigned from his position without warning. The decision was abrupt and almost seemed as if it were forced. After more information was released, it became clear that that was the case. Nothing is official yet, but Phillips violated the NCAA’s recruiting rules. Before jumping to absurd conclusions about Phillips, understand the situation.

An individual closely linked to the University of Miami (FL), a rival of Florida, was said to have turned in a photo of Phillips speaking with a high school recruit. It does not sound like much, but speaking face-to-face with recruits during the “dead period” of the recruiting process is illegal. A coach may speak with the athlete via mail or phone during this period, but in-person interaction is off limits. As of now, it is unknown as to whether the meeting was accidental or planned. If it was an accident, the NCAA’s punishment, if any, will be much lighter. If the meeting was planned, the NCAA will likely crack down with recruiting restrictions for Florida for a set time period.

With recruiting sanctions being a possibility, it seems as if head coach Will Muschamp “asked” Phillips to step down. Though Phillips has been wonderful for the program, Muschamp did what he had to do to save face. In Phillips’ defense, there were not enough details released to the public to confirm that the incident was planned. Regardless, the possibility in itself is enough for one to be forced out of the program to ensure the program’s safety.

When the time comes, Phillips (and possibility the University of Florida) will get the punishment he deserves. That may mean bare minimum if the incident was coincidence, but there may be serious repercussions if the case is more serious than it appears on the surface. No matter the punishment, Gators fans are thankful to have had Phillips for the two years that they did. Luckily, a familiar face has assumed his position. Former national champion quarterback Chris Leak, who was already an assistant for the football program, has taken the job that Phillips left behind. In the end, Florida may emerged unscaved, but as of now, the university will play the waiting game.