Maybe they can put the season tix prices back to last years levels now. (cough)
On Wed, Feb 2, 2011 at 2:24 PM, Helen Huntley <[email protected]> wrote: > This is pretty much a no brainer. Even if it weren't an NCAA violation, I > don't think it would be appropriate for him to continue on the UF payroll > while working for ESPN. > Saves the athletic department some money too! > Helen > > > On Wed, Feb 2, 2011 at 10:57 AM, Jerry Belloit <[email protected]>wrote: > >> *Urban Meyer cuts financial ties with Florida Gators after ESPN hire* >> >> *NCAA raised red flags when Meyer became ESPN analyst* >> >> Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel >> >> *10:38 a.m. EST**,** **February 2, 2011*** >> >> · >> >> With concerns over potential >> *NCAA*<http://www.orlandosentinel.com/topic/sports/national-collegiate-athletic-association-OREDU0000001.topic> >> recruiting violations, new >> *ESPN*<http://www.orlandosentinel.com/topic/sports/espn-%28tv-network%29-HOC792.topic>college >> football analyst and former University of >> *Florida*<http://www.orlandosentinel.com/topic/sports/college-sports/florida-gators-ORSPT000172.topic> >> football coach *Urban >> Meyer*<http://www.orlandosentinel.com/topic/sports/football/urban-meyer-PESPT008535.topic> >> has been forced to break financial ties with the Gators, the *Sentinel* has >> learned. >> >> Meyer had remained on UF's payroll in an undefined role since resigning as >> coach in December. But earlier this week when he signed a deal to become a >> college football analyst for ESPN, it raised red flags with the SEC and >> NCAA. After UF contacted those organizations about the potentially >> problematic situation, the wheels were set in motion for Meyer to being >> taken off the university's payroll. >> >> It would have been a dicey situation for UF and possibly against NCAA >> rules had Meyer, who is appearing today on ESPN's coverage of National >> Signing Day, publicly discussed potential recruits as a paid employee and >> representative of UF. >> >> "The University of Florida has been a big part of my personal and >> professional life for the past six years and while I will no longer be able >> to continue a professional relationship with the University, I will continue >> to support the many friends I made during my time there," Meyer said in a >> statement released by the university. >> ------------------------------ >> >> *Sign up for our new Varsity Sports newsletter and get high school sports >> updates delivered right to your >> inbox.*<http://www.orlandosentinel.com/services/newsletters/?track=orl-mark-embed-sports-varsity-newsletter> >> ------------------------------ >> >> >> Said UF Athletics Director Jeremy Foley "We are happy for Coach Meyer that >> he is getting a chance to stay involved with college football – he has so >> much passion for the game and the players. He will provide great insight and >> background for ESPN's audiences. >> >> "We were pleased to provide Coach Meyer with an opportunity within our >> athletic department, but the chance to work for ESPN was a perfect fit for >> him and his family. He will always be welcome here and we are forever >> indebted for what he accomplished and how he represented the University of >> Florida. He gave every ounce of energy to this program for six years and we >> certainly share a special bond with him. We will always remain close friends >> and I look forward to seeing him enjoy the next chapter in his life. Coach >> Meyer will always be a Gator." >> >> Foley originally presented the idea of Meyer staying on at UF as a paid >> consultant and/or fundraiser before the ESPN job came about. Foley made the >> offer as a goodwill gesture to the coach who led the Gators to two national >> titles. >> >> "Jeremy did it as a favor; he wanted Urban to understand that he was still >> a part of the program," says former UF player *Trace >> Armstrong*<http://www.orlandosentinel.com/topic/sports/trace-armstrong-PESPT000241.topic>, >> who is now Meyer's agent. "Nobody anticipated this would a problem with the >> NCAA. Usually, when a former coach is on ESPN, he has been fired and has >> broken ties with the school. This was a unique situation. >> >> "In the end, we just thought this was the best resolution and the cleanest >> way to do it. This way, it removes any questions." >> >> *Read Mike Bianchi's blog at OrlandoSentinel.com/openmike and listen to >> his radio show every weekday from 6 to 9 a.m. on 740-AM. You can e-mail him >> at** **[email protected].* >> >> >> >> -- >> 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 > > > > > -- > Helen Huntley > (727) 823-3801 > www.helenhuntley.com > > -- > 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 > -- 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
