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Bianchi: O'Leary defends McElwain for sideline tirade

Is anybody surprised that UCF coach George O’Leary understands why Florida Gators coach Jim McElwain had a conniption fit on the sideline Saturday night.

O’Leary, who himself occasionally gives players stern and salty-mouthed tongue-lashings on the sideline, said UF running back Kelvin Taylor deserved to be dressed down by McElwain. Although O'Leary didn't see McElwain's profanity-laced rant, I explained the scenario to him of Taylor incurring a 15-yard penalty after he made a throat-slashing gesture to celebrate a touchdown late in the 31-24 victory over East Carolina.

“I could see where he (McElwain) would be upset,” O’Leary said today on our Open Mike radio show.