COLLEGE ATHLETICS: Florida recovering from $54.5M shortfall amid pandemic

  • Florida Gators Athletic Director Scott Stricklin speaks during an introductory press conference for football head coach Dan Mullen at the Bill Heavener football complex on Nov. 27, 2017, in Gainesville. Florida’s athletic department had a $54.5 million shortfall during the 2020-21 fiscal year because of the coronavirus pandemic, significant financial losses the Gators were able to weather with a supplement from the Southeastern Conference and a sizable reserve. (ROB FOLDY /Getty Images/TNS)
    Florida Gators Athletic Director Scott Stricklin speaks during an introductory press conference for football head coach Dan Mullen at the Bill Heavener football complex on Nov. 27, 2017, in Gainesville. Florida’s athletic department had a $54.5 million shortfall during the 2020-21 fiscal year because of the coronavirus pandemic, significant financial losses the Gators were able to weather with a supplement from the Southeastern Conference and a sizable reserve. (ROB FOLDY /Getty Images/TNS)

     ​​​​GAINESVILLE — Florida’s athletic department had a $54.5 million shortfall during the 2020-21 fiscal year because of the coronavirus pandemic, significant financial losses the Gators were abl…