What bothers me about the situation with Richardson is NOT that he switched to UT, but HOW he did it. Kiffin specifically told Richardson to NOT let on to Urban that he had decomitted until it was too late for Urban to do anything about it. That's classless, but I can't say that the Gators haven't done anything similar, I don't know.
And I hope that the fine educational institution of UT will at least teach Mr. Richardson that "I could care less" does not mean what he apparently thinks it means. (It's one of my pet peeves - I've even heard Coach Meyer use that prhase before). -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]on Behalf Of [email protected] Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 1:05 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [gatornews] [OrlSentinel] Tennessee Vols wide out Nu'Keese Richardson reflects on spurning Florida Gators Importance: Low Tennessee Vols wide out Nu'Keese Richardson reflects on spurning Florida Gators By Jeremy Fowler SENTINEL STAFF WRITER September 17, 2009 Tennessee wide receiver Nu'Keese Richardsonwonders what all the fuss is about. A guy is allowed to change his mind. But the player in the middle of the Lane Kiffin-Urban Meyer mess says he received unnecessary treatment from Florida fans after backing out of his year-long oral commitment to UF. Richardson might catch heat in The Swamp for Saturday's 3:30 rival game after a last-second switch to Tennessee on national signing day in February. "They took it overboard," Richardson told the Sentinel from Knoxville. "It was my decision." A day after signing day, Kiffin said at a Knoxville speaking engagement that Meyer violated NCAA rules by calling Richardson while on an official visit to Tennessee. Meyer was allowed to call and Kiffin apologized amid a Southeastern Conference reprimand. Message boards and Facebook accounts lit up with insults for Richardson, who said he heard from fans that "[Florida safety] Major Wright is going to kill me." Wright is known for his big hits. Despite the chatter from Florida (2-0), the 5-10 freshman said he will walk into The Swamp unfazed and relishing in his role as public enemy. "I could care less what they do," said Richardson, a former Pahokee High School star. "I can feed off [the crowd]. I love it. I don't like it when people give me props. I like to be the underdog." Richardson reneged on Florida because of playing time and how much he enjoyed his visit to Tennessee (1-1) that he took at the request of his aunt. Even five-star friends such as Florida receiver Deonte Thompson had to wait 2-3 years to become a starter at UF. Richardson went to the same high school as UF starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins. Tennessee provided instant access to the field, and so far he's capitalized with three receptions for 30 yards, five punt returns for 36 yards and one rush for 8 yards. The Vols are coming off a 19-15 loss to UCLA. The move to Knoxville disappointed Gators coaches. Richardson said UF wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales checked up on him almost every day for a year while keeping up with his grades. Meyer said it's nothing personal. "That's the cost of business," he said. "We've had that on the other end. We understand that." Richardson said he hasn't talked to the UF coaches since he switched schools. While many of Richardson's friends stayed in state, Richardson said he wanted to "try something new." Then how's this for a Tennessee welcoming: The Vols are a 28-point underdog against the country's No. 1 team that happens to be hungry for vengeance. UF players have been fuming for months after seeing signs of Kiffin's quotes plastered in the football offices. Kiffin said in December that he would enjoy "singing 'Rocky Top' all night long" after beating Florida. "Going into the Swamp, it's going to be a rowdy crowd," Richardson said. "I'll be anxious to get on the field. I basically want to make a big play ... They deserve to have their respect. The only thing we can do and go in and show the world what we're about." Read Jeremy Fowler's blog at OrlandoSentinel.com/swampthings and e-mail him at [email protected]. Copyright © 2009, Orlando Sentinel --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ GATORS: ONE VOICE ON SATURDAY - NO VOICE ON SUNDAY! 1996 National Football Champions | 2006 National Basketball Champions 2006 National Football Champions | 2007 National Basketball Champions 2008 National Football Champions | Three Heisman Trophy winners: Steve Spurrier (1966), Danny Wuerffel (1996), Tim Tebow (2007) - Visit our website at www.gatornet.us -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
