USF Coach Says Ybor City Off Limits To Players

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) _ University of South Florida football coach Willie Taggart has declared Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood off-limits for his team after the fatal stabbing of a former player.

Former USF defensive lineman Elkino Watson, 23, died Sunday. Police said the stabbing happened after a fight near a Ybor City nightclub.

On Monday’s American Athletic Conference teleconference, Taggert said his players will “have to find other places to go have fun” instead of going to the historic entertainment district.

Watson played for USF from 2011-2014. Taggart said his team was shaken by Watson’s death a few hours after his visit with the Bulls following their game against Florida A&M.

Taggart said USF players will wear stickers honoring Watson. A memorial service is scheduled Tuesday on campus for USF players.