‘Sporting News’ probes Meyer’s Florida stint
Urban Meyer had tremendous success at Florida with two national titles in six seasons. But underneath the sterling record, there were significant issues that have led the football program into decline.
According to Sporting News, Meyer created a culture in which star players received preferential treatment and allegedly overlooked positive drug tests. Percy Harvin, Brandon Spikes and Aaron Hernandez did not play in the 2008 opener because of injuries, according to the team. It was reportedly for failed drug tests for marijuana, according to multiple people interviewed during a three-month investigation by Sporting News. A former player said the three practiced all week before showing up in a walking boot for the game.
Concerning an incident involving Harvin and wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales, Meyer told the Sporting News, “Something did happen, and something was handled. I don’t think it’s fair to Percy Harvin or Billy Gonzales to talk about it.”
Former player Bryan Thomas said Meyer tried to force him off the team after the 2008 season. Thomas had been dealing with knee injuries, and the school eventually put him on medical hardship so he wouldn’t count against the team’s scholarships.
“I told (Meyer) I was on track to graduate, I wasn’t a problem and I did everything I was supposed to do. I just had a knee injury,” he said. “I told them I wasn’t leaving, and if they tried to force me to leave, I was going to tell everyone everything.”
Thomas eventually graduated and played at North Alabama.
Meyer left Florida after an 8-5 2010 season , moved to ESPN, and was hired as head coach at Ohio State in November. Several former players were removed from the team by new coach Will Muschamp for off-field issues, and the team struggled to a 7-6 season.