Meyer discusses Rainey decision; injury update
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 | Baseball, Football, Scott Carter
Florida football coach Urban Meyer explained his decision to allow receiver Chris Rainey to rejoin the team and discussed stopping Mississippi State's running game during his weekly appearance on the SEC media teleconference earlier today:
Here are some quick notes from the call:
--Meyer said Rainey remains on scholarship and that before the junior receiver was allowed to rejoin the team, Meyer discussed the situation with UF President Bernie Machen and Athletic Director Jeremy Foley.
Meyer on Rainey:
“I met with a variety of people involved in the situation. I wouldn't even have any discussion with it until he finished everything that he had to do to even be part of it. At the original reaction, I didn't know what was going to happen, so I let everything happen. I just thought it would be in his best interests to get him around the team. If he fulfills everything he does, then [we must] try to make sure those kind of things don't happen again. I wasn't going to let him practice until he fulfilled his obligations.''
When asked if Meyer talked with the woman who Rainey was arrested for stalking, he said:
“I did not, but someone did who relayed back to me their opinions. And then also I met with professionals who deal with Chris.''
Meyer added that “we put a contract together, and he just has to fulfill his obligations before he can be allowed to play.''
Finally, Meyer said Rainey has no history of violence and that he'll be monitored closely to avoid future issues.
“Chris has a history of opening his mouth and careless things coming out of his mouth. Obviously, this is the first time for anything like this. Part of his getting back is correcting that issue. The second part of it is community service involved, and just keeping an eye and making sure there are no other issues.
“Chris is not a violent person. At times, he has said careless things. We've just got to make sure that doesn't happen.''
--One player the Gators must keep a close eye on Saturday is Mississippi State quarterback Chris Relf, who is a dual-threat quarterback much like LSU's Jordan Jefferson.
“They are a good rushing team. They involve their quarterback. [At] Alabama, we felt like we did well against the run. Last week we did not. I think anytime you get your quarterback involved in the run game like LSU did, and like this team will, that's the plus-one issue that everyone deals with with these running quarterbacks. We spend a lot of time on it and you have to find a way to equate numbers, and there is a variety of ways to do it. Movement and gap exchanges are one way, and emptying the box and playing man coverage where you bring an extra guy in the box is the other way. Obviously, you can't live one. You've got to mix it up.''
--On the injury front, Meyer said RB Jeff Demps is improving and is “probable'' for Saturday's game. Demps missed the LSU game due to a sprained left foot that has hampered him since the Tennessee game.
Also, injured offensive lineman Jon Halapio (hand surgery) is expected to return to practice Thursday according to Meyer. “They are saying probable for play,'' he said.
Meyer described starting quarterback John Brantley at “full-speed.'' Brantley played with sore ribs and a sprained thumb against LSU.
