Most people know I’m a Gator fan. I don’t pretend anything else.

Now, we’re hearing reports that Urban Meyer contacted the girlfriend of a recruit, who is also a gymnast and probably a legitimate scholarship athlete herself, supposedly to recruit her with the idea that she and the football recruit would probably accept scholarships together.

Maybe not such a big deal?

Think again.

Here’s why it IS a big deal: The NCAA has rules in place to prevent coaches from recruiting for other sports to prevent undeserving athletes from receiving scholarships as part of a “package” to get the more-desired athlete signed. Suppose this gymnast was not a legitimate Division 1 athlete? Suppose she’s Division II at best? Now, Florida would be providing extra inducements to get the football recruit, a big no-no.

Personally, I think this is an innocent case; it appears the gymnast is a legitimate Division I athlete, and would have received a scholarship offer from a number of schools. In fact, she was apparently competing for UCLA in 2006, prior to transferring to a junior college. So, I think it’s probably a case of no-harm, no-foul.

BUT, if it’s true, it’s a violation, and it gives the perception of a program tip-toeing the ethical line. Given that there are so many more ways to accomplish the same goal – getting both athletes to UF – this is a pretty dumb mistake.

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