Central Florida star linebacker Shaquem Griffin objected to USF coach Charlie Strong calling him handicapped.
Griffin, who had his left hand amputated at age 4, is the reigning American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and always stresses the absence of his hand doesn't hinder him in any way.
Strong wasn't necessarily trying to add fuel to the War on I-4 fire, praising Griffin's skills during his press conference Tuesday previewing the rivalry game that will decide the AAC East Division champion.
"The thing that's really impressive about (Shaquem) Griffin when you watch him is just how hard he plays. He's always moving and he plays with so much passion and he's hard to block and he's going to cause a lot of problems for us," Strong said. "And he has a handicap and he doesn't allow that to stop him from doing what he needs to do which is really special about him. You watch him play and you think guys can block him and he doesn't get blocked. He finds a way to get to that football and make plays."
Griffin responded to a video clip of Strong's remarks posted on Twitter by writing, "It's not a handicap." He added one red angry emoji and two more with steam coming out of nostrils.
Griffin, who grew up in St. Petersburg, had a breakout season last year and was featured on ESPN for his ability to perform at an elite level with just one hand.
Once national media outlets began reporting on his success, Griffin got more opportunities to greet fans and serve as a motivational speaker.
Every time he has addressed the removal of his hand, he stressed it was not a handicap because a handicap is an issue a person cannot overcome.
Griffin and No. 15 UCF will face off with USF Friday at 3:30 p.m. The game will air on ABC and the both sides have made it clear they are fired up for the rivalry game that will dictate which team advances to play for the AAC championship.
For the 10-0 Knights, a win also would keep them on track to clinch a coveted Peach Bowl bid.
