A lot of second-guessing is going on the day after the Kentucky football team was drilled by Florida, maybe none more so than Joker Phillips’ decision to bench leading tackler Danny Trevathan for the first quarter for a violation of team rules.

With the starting weakside linebacker, who entered the game as UK’s leader in tackles and tackles for loss, Florida zoomed out to a 14-0 lead and pounded the Cats for 155 first-quarter yards.

When Trevathan entered the game in the second quarter, the Kentucky defense settled down. Florida did not score an offensive touchdown in the second quarter and totaled just 36 yards.

Phillips was asked after the game if Trevathan’s absence had a negative effect on the slow start.

“It’s like an injury,” Phillips said. “In Danny’s situation, he violated a team rule and sat out a quarter. But it’s a like an injury. We expect the next guy to step up.”

Phillips did not elaborate on what rule Trevathan violated but said it served as a valuable learning opportunity for Trevathan and his team.

“Our players have got to understand, you can’t be selfish and put yourself ahead of the football team,” Phillips said. “Danny will learn from this. We’ve got to teach these kids more than football, there’s no question about. This was a chance to teach Danny a lesson.”

Trevathan is not the first starter to miss time this season because of a violation of team rules. Defensive end DeQuin Evans and safety Winston Guy did not start the season opener against Louisville because of a violation of team rules.