In the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on January 2, 2025, Ole Miss wide receiver Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr. appeared to mock his former coach, South Carolina’s Shane Beamer, during a touchdown celebration. After scoring a 32-yard touchdown against Duke, Wells gestured as if being restrained by a teammate, mirroring an incident involving Beamer earlier in the week. In that event, Beamer had to be held back during a confrontation with Illinois head coach Bret Bielema in the Citrus Bowl.
Wells, who transferred from South Carolina to Ole Miss after the 2023 season, had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the Gamecocks’ program, citing a desire to play with a quarterback who “can actually control the offense” and to be part of a winning team. His celebratory gesture in the Gator Bowl has been interpreted by many as a direct jab at Beamer, reflecting lingering tensions following his departure from South Carolina.
The incident has sparked discussions among fans and analysts, with some viewing it as a lighthearted taunt, while others perceive it as indicative of deeper animosities between Wells and his former coach. Regardless, the celebration added an extra layer of intrigue to Ole Miss’s bowl game performance.
For a visual of Wells’s touchdown and celebration, you can watch the highlight below:
Was this a mock of Shane Beamer vs Bret Bielema from former Gamecocks WR Juice Wells?? pic.twitter.com/O4DNsTEqJn
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) January 3, 2025