Tebow disillusioned by motives of some fans

If Tim Tebow had his way, he would sign every autograph for the dozens of people who flock to the Florida practice field every afternoon during spring practice. Especially the children.

Afterall, he was once one of those little kids, trying desperately to get the autograph of his childhood idol, former UF quarterback Danny Wuerffel.

Even after Florida athletic officials instituted a policy last season asking Tebow not sign autographs, he continued to do so on a more limited basis. At the Home Depot Awards last December, Tebow was one of the few athletes walking the "red carpet'' at Disney's Wide World of Sports who stopped to sign autographs.

But these days, the senior quarterback is starting to understand UF's stance. And it's clear he's becoming disillusioned, even upset, by the many fans who rush out to practice with stories of being huge Tebow and Gator fans only to throw those autographed items on eBay as fast as they can.

"I wish we could just get all the eBay guys out and then that would be great,'' Tebow said. "Then we would sign for every kid. I say that pretty seriously. We would love to sign for every kid, but then they would all be on eBay.''

As of Thursday morning, there were 229 Tim Tebow items on eBay, 66 of which claimed to be autographed by the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback. Tebow said he tries not to assume that everyone who asks for his autograph is looking to make a profit. But it's getting harder to deny the reality.

"I always take the positive in everybody that they are really a fan,'' he said. "But, obviously, they are not. Stuff gets on eBay every day. So I would love to go out there and sign for every kid, but they don't really want me to because a lot of it is going to be put on eBay and that's just not good for the Gators.''

And apparently not good for Tebow, either.

Comments

[Tonka61]

The "ebay" guys always seem to make it hard on the rest of us. When I was a kid, I receieved dozens of autographs from Buccaneer players following their games. And I still have them all. My cards, they are in a card frame, hanging on the wall. Why buy an autograph on ebay? You didn't get that autograph yourself. The autographs I have - I asked for myself. However, now that I'm an adult, I would much rather have a picture with someone.

[Hos]

This is so sad - During Tim's freshman season, I met my best friend who was dying of cancer (he passed away last year) and his family in Gainesville for Gator Growl.

After the game, a young Tim Tebow came out with his own pen and signed autographs for my friend’s kids (and many others). It created a wonderful memory (I have a great picture) and really made me think highly of this guy who would go on to be a superstar at Florida – the fact that he took the time to sign autographs when other players just brushed fans off. it was very special. I know it sounds corny, but out of many special moments with my friend – seeing he and his family so excited that day was amazing (he was struggling with that awful disease and for that brief moment – it was like old times). It makes me sad to see folks taking advantage of Tim’s generosity… He is such a classy guy, would be great if people could follow suit and be true Gators.