“Gator-on-Gator crime” took center stage in the UFL over the weekend, as two former Florida Gators teammates found themselves on opposite sides of a heated moment.
In a matchup between the Orlando Storm and the St. Louis Battlehawks, wide receiver Elijhah Badger was on the receiving end of a controversial late hit from defensive back Trey Dean III. The play came after Badger had already gone out of bounds following a routine catch, making the contact clearly unnecessary.
Officials acted quickly, ejecting Dean from the game for the hit, which immediately drew attention both on the field and online. Despite the incident, Badger bounced back in the same drive, finishing it with a touchdown reception and helping keep Orlando competitive.
The tension didn’t end with the whistle. After the game, Badger took to social media to throw subtle jabs at his former college teammate, while Dean responded more indirectly, sharing a reflective message instead of engaging.
Ultimately, the Battlehawks secured a 25–17 win, handing Orlando its first loss of the season. But the real headline was the unusual sight of former college teammates clashing in such dramatic fashion—proving that once players reach the pros, school ties take a backseat to competition.
