Meyer Leave Of Absence From Gators A Huge Gamble For Program

The University of Florida has become the premiere college football program in the country in the five years since coach Urban Meyer has come to town. Now, for the first time since his arrival, the Gators are taking a bit of a gamble.

On Saturday evening it was learned that Meyer would be stepping down as the head coach of the Gators for health reasons. That sent gators recruits scurrying to examine their immediate futures, which, in turn, sent Meyer and athletic director Tim Foley back to re-assess the situation.

By Sunday's planned afternoon press conference, the university and Meyer had come to a different decision. Instead of leaving, Meyer would just be taking a leave of absence to try and get his health in order.

Foley said that the university made the right decision in giving Meyer time to work out his health issues, but others believe that Sunday's announcement was simply a ploy to save the football program from losing top level recruits.

"On Saturday, (Urban) Meyer's health was bad enough that he was going to walk away from coaching, but by Sunday, it was played as more of a temporary setback," said CGW Sports Analyst Ben Graber, "There is no way that decision could have been made for any other reason than recruiting."

By leaving open the possibility of Meyer returning, Florida coaches can ease the minds of recruits long enough to sign on national signing day in February. At that time, Meyer will be free to walk away for good and the recruits would be locked in to their commitment in Gainesville.

If Meyer is sincere about his health issues and putting his family first, then the university did the right thing by allowing the coach that put them back on the map to take his time.

If the decision was made, however, only to save this year's recruiting class, then the long term affects could be far worse should Meyer leave sometime next spring.

December 28, 2009
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!

NFL Betting Preview: Vikings Looking To Hold On To Playoff Bye
Gambling Goes High Tech In Las Vegas Sportsbooks
NFL Betting Odds: Cowboys Can Wrap Up Playoff Berth Tonight
NFL Betting Odds: Playoff Hunt To Be Sorted Out In AFC On Sunday
NFL Betting Preview: Chargers An Underdog Tonight Despite Record