Meyer defends late timeout call

GAINESVILLE - Urban  Meyer defended his decision to call timeout with time running out to try and ice Wes Byrum. The freshman kicker nailed the first field goal, but had to kick again after Meyer called timeout just as the ball was snapped and the final three seconds ticked off the clock.
“We did that last year and I have done that before,’’ Meyer said. “That says a lot about that kicker to come in and hit not one, but hit two.''

Asked if he thought the practice is fair, Meyer responded: "It is by the rules and I do think it’s fair. That’s part of the game.’’

Comments

[Thomas Graf]

Regarding Urban Meyer's quote on calling a timeout to ice a kicker just as the ball is snapped, "It is by the rules and I do think it’s fair. That’s part of the game.’’

Yes, it's legal - but Meyer violates the spirit of the the rule's intent. It should be an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, unless a time out is given by a PLAYER on the field, to the head official BEFORE the snap.

Otherwise it's just a sissy's way to try and win football game. I guarantee neither Pete Carroll nor Jim Tressel would employ such a gutless tactic.

I only wish Florida would have blocked the first FG attempt, returned it for a TD, and had that play called back. Then the kid lines up and makes the second one. THAT would be poetic justice, and would teach Meyer lesson in sportsmanship, especially if it cost his team a win.

[Tampabaysportsfanatic]

It is allowed by the rules, but the rules need to change. This is a great way to get someone hurt and I think they need to change the rule. Until they do that though, it is legal.

[Ryan]

Thomas you are questioning Urban's integrity for calling the time-out? This is a tactic used at all levels of football and certainly was not introduced by Urban Meyer. If you recall the Raiders lost to Denver two weeks ago when Mike Shanahan called timeout and Janikowski made the first, but missed the second kick. Then the following week the Raiders do the same thing to Cleveland. Those are two examples that stick out in my mind just within the last two weeks.

Then saying Carrol and Tressel would never imploy such a "gutless" tactic is naive and ignorant. Disagreeing with the rule or the call is fine, but throwing darts at someone's character shows how much class you must have. In fact, in this same post, Coach Meyer gives credit to Auburn's kicker for knocking two kicks in a row. Wow, I guess you'd say that he is a poor sport as well.

The second post at least makes a good point about how a player can get hurt with these types of tactics. But icing players is part of sports. They do it in basketball before FT's (Thomas you probably think that is gutless also), they do it in baseball with throws to first base to pickoff a runner that has no chance to steal.

Thomas you should watch SportsCenter from last weekend and see the special that was done on him and the families of his coaches. You'd see that Coach Meyer is anything but gutless and see how much integrity he has. Question the call all you want, but don't throw personal daggers at a man who exemplifies integrity and class.

[Jim]

The rules need to change, only the Gators would try such a cheap way to win. Have the ref ask the coach if he wants a time out before the play starts. It was nice watching the Gaytors lose twice. Go LSU

[Urban]

Ryan, they do it in basketball but not during the play you fool. Once the ball is in play you can't stop the play unless you have the ball. It was a petty attempt to screw up the kicker that you would expect out of the Gaytors.

[Ryan]

Urban, you fool, you can't call a timeout when the play has started. The time-out was called before the snap. The problem was that it was literally before the snap, so that is why the ball was hiked before the refs could stop the play.

But I guess I am the fool, thanks for putting me in my place.

As for Jim, I can understand how you can hate the Gators. People get very jealous of winners, champions, not to mention how the University of Florida is the best academic school in the state of Florida and among the best in the country. Pick your poison, bottom line your school just doesn't measure up across the board. Good night!!

[Jim]

Ryan,
Looks to be a good weekend. Go LSU

[Urban]

Ryan,
Once the ref hands the ball to the player you can't call a timeout. This is what needs to take place in football. If you want to take a timeout then call it before the offense lines up. It was still fun watching two field goals go through. I hope Teblow runs the ball 20 times this weekend.

[Ryan]

Urban-
Thanks for clarifying your point. That would be an interesting rule change in football since the ball has to be snapped to start a play. Where as basketball the play starts when the ref hands the ball. You make an interesting point on that. I would be real interested to see how much that changed football. Think about how many QB's call a timeout as a the play clock is reayd to expire. We would see many more delay of game penalties.

As for your personal attack on Tebow. That's classy. All the guy does is promote football, show up for charity events, and exemplifies what a student athlete is all about. Root against the Gators, root against the thugs and idiots on teams, but don't rip into athletes who are great role models.

[Urban]

Ryan,
Your getting there, the offense can call a time out after the ball is in play, the defenses coach can't. Basketball has it right, football is favoring the defense on this one. Tebow is a great athlete, I guess I should hate the fans that are trying to make him Superman 3 games into his career.

[Urban]

Urban-
Once again good point. Tebow has a lot to do before he can get crowned Superman, but his energy and enthusiasm and how he plays the game is why people pull for him so much.

As for timeouts, I understand your point. I think your proposal would be interesting to see carried out. It would have lots ramifications.

[Thomas Graf]

Tony Joiner was arrested today for felony burglary -- WAIT Urban Meyer called timout BEFORE he stole the car! DOH!

[Accountability]

RE the last milisecond "timeout call",

I thought Urban had more class than that.

legal and illegal don't always equal right and wrong.

Go Gators!!!

[Senor T]

This is crazy. All those towing companies are run by crooks.

If my baby asked me to get her car back I would have done the same thing. This is disrespectful.

Go Gators. I hate LSU fans. They are the worst in the world.

[Jere]

I agree with the first comment. I almost wish he missed the first field goal. Hope you proved your point Urban, because we own the Florida Gators!
War Eagle