We all know that college and professional coaches have never been able to make comments about officials, referees, etc. without paying the price (e.g., a hefty fine by the institution or league).Now it appears Florida's Urban Meyer doesn't believe the First Amendment applies to his players.
Gators linebacker Brandon Spikes is a big Barack Obama supporter and has not shied away from letting everyone know his fondness for the Democratic Presidential nominee. He's even been seen wearing Obama shirts in the locker room and around the Gainesville campus.
According to The Miami Herald, on Tuesday evening after the Gators' practice, reporters asked Spikes why he supports the Illinois senator. For someone who has been so outspoken, Spikes was awkwardly silent. It seems the UF has muzzled him.
He told reporters, "I can't really comment on that." He also acknowledged that it was the University that has ordered him to remain silent on the topic.
Doesn't seem to be too collegial. What happened to universities being a place of intellectual discovery and free exchange of ideas? I guess Spikes should just keep his mouth shut, while the University uses players like him (and many others) to draw thousands of redneck fans into The Swamp and make millions each fall.
So what good reason does the administration have for stifling his right to free speech? I'd bet if this was Tim Tebow running around campus and flashing his pretty boy smile on national TV endorsing John McCain this would be a different story.
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