Florida Gators

Former Gators catcher Mike Zunino was called up to the majors by Seattle on Tuesday.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Mike Zunino was in Las Vegas on Tuesday morning when he got a surprise phone call from Mariners farm director Chris Gwynn.

They exchanged pleasantries, and then Gwynn asked the former Gators catcher: "Why do you think I'm calling you?"

"I can think of two things,'' Zunino replied.

It was the better of the two options: Zunino was on his way to the majors, the first position player in the 2012 draft to be called up.

Zunino's promotion was big news in Seattle. The Mariners are struggling and in need of a jolt to get fans excited.

For more on Zunino's promotion, you can read this story from longtime Mariners/MLB writer Larry Stone of the Seattle Times, or check out this story (with video) from MLB.com.

--No harm, no foul writes John McGrath of the Bellingham (Wash.) Herald if Zunino's early promotion doesn't work out for Mariners.

--Tim Tebow made his Patriots debut Tuesday but don't expect to see much of Tebow at practice writes Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.

--Patriots coach Bill Belichick clamped down on Tebowmania at Tuesday's press conference writes Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com.

--Tebow called it an "honor" to have opportunity to play for New England coach Bill Belichick writes ESPN.com.

--ICYMI, Gators point guard Scottie Wilbekin is suspended indefinitely for violating team rules writes Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun.

--Another ICYMI: Gators quarterback Jeff Driskel was surprised to be picked by Boston in the MLB Draft. He was busy bagging a wild hog on a hunting trip writes Robbie Andreu of the Gainesville Sun.

--Former Gators running back/sprinter Jeff Demps to skip Tampa Bay's minicamp writes TampaBay.com.

--No surprise that former Gators soccer star Abby Wambach is up to her old tricks in National Women's Soccer League.

--A look at Jacksonville's defense and how former Gators safety Josh Evans might fit in by John Oehser of Jaguars.com.

--Emmitt Smith recently reflected on his life's journey during a stop in Montgomery, Ala. Click here to read column by Montgomery Advertiser columnist Duane Rankin.