After a victory in the Miami Open, Arthur Fils said something that sounded familiar to Malachi Toney fans
Apparently, other top athletes are following the lead of Miami Hurricanes star receiver Malachi Toney.
Last week French tennis star Arthur Fils used a slogan familiar to UM fans after defeating Tommy Paul in the Miami Open. Following the win, Fils wrote "GABOS" on a camera.
It means "Game Ain't Based On Sympathy," a phrase coined by Toney. Hurricanes fans erupted when word got out about the moment.
"It's the mentality," Fils said. "Today, I was just fighting. Even if TP is my friend, when we are stepping on the court, it's either him or me. I prefer when it's me. I was just trying my best and I did good."
Toney's slogan went viral after he introduced it during his breakout freshman season. He finished with a nation-leading 109 catches for 1,211 yards and 10 touchdowns. Toney played a key role in the Hurricanes advancing to the College Football Playoff title game, where they lost to the Indiana Hoosiers at Hard Rock Stadium.
Proof the "GABOS" legend continues to grow occurred when Toney caught his first touchdown of spring practice. A group of young football players in attendance immediately yelled the popular slogan.
“It made me feel great just to see those younger me’s out there just supporting me while I’m out here on the journey, getting better each and every day,” Toney said. “It’s just a great feeling when you’ve got a support system like your hometown.”
Now that Toney has an even bigger spotlight, the next step is preventing it from affecting his play. He returns as one of the top football players in college but he seems prepared for the added attention.
“I take it the same way like I took it last year, as if nobody knew me,” Toney said. “I’m just taking it day by day and keep trying to get better each and every day. … I wouldn’t say it’s hard because I have a great relationship with God, and He helped me stay humble and level-headed through it all. So I would say it’s easy.”
It could be an even bigger year for Toney next season.
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of HeatRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com