Meyer: Florida Deserves Attention For Sports, Academics

Football coach thinks school should do better job marketing itself

April 4, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Florida is getting plenty of attention from its third major collegiate championship in as many tries, but football coach Urban Meyer doesn't think it's enough.

"It was a weekend infomercial on the University of Florida," Meyer said. "You know what makes me upset? I still don't know how good a job we do marketing our school."

Meyer questioned why Sports Illustrated touted Ohio State earlier this year as a model program when Florida rated better academically and beat the Buckeyes for two straight titles.

"Someone laid a piece of paper on my desk telling how our basketball team has a 100 percent graduation rate and our football team has an 80 percent graduation rate, number one out of 56 bowl teams. Did you guys know that? I think that's kind of important information in today's day in age."

After attending the championship game Monday in Atlanta, Meyer and the rest of the Gators were back at practice Tuesday working to defend their own.

Linebacker Dustin Doe, who was arrested early Sunday morning for fighting in public, also practiced with the team Tuesday.

The Gators' leadership committee met Tuesday to discuss the incident but still has to go over the issue with Meyer before figuring out a punishment.

"We haven't really come to a conclusion yet on anything, but Dustin's a great kid," quarterback Tim Tebow said.