Urban Meyer Calls Jeremy Fowler A ‘Bad Guy’ For Reporting Thompson’s ‘Real Quarterback’ Quote [Video]

We chose not to comment on the ‘real quarterback’ statement by Deonte Thompson because we have a one Tebow story per day limit.

Today is a different day.

Orlando Sentinel reporter Jeremy Fowler wrote a piece on Monday night outlining some of Thompson’s comments, and underachievements.  Thompson was quoted as saying:

“You never know with Tim,” Thompson said. “You can bolt, you think he’s running but he’ll come up and pass it to you. You just have to be ready at all times. With Brantley, everything’s with rhythm, time. You know what I mean, a real quarterback.”

Now, anytime you refer to Tim Tebow as not a real quarterback (even indirectly) you are going to draw some attention to yourself.  Tebow is one of the most decorated players in college history and has a following of fans that could easily form their own cult.  The story ran all day.

Fowler wrote about it and Urban got pissed.

In practice yesterday, Meyer confronted Fowler for reporting about it, as well as for shredding Thompson for his lack of achievements.  Urban was not pleased at all.  In fact, he even went as far as to say if he were Thompson’s father, the two would be scrapping right now.  He called Fowler a ‘bad guy.’

Isn’t Meyer supposed to be taking it easy?  This can’t be what his doctors would like to see out of him.

Here is the video of Meyer ripping Fowler:

Here is Fowler’s side of the story:

For decades, coaches have ripped reporters for stories they didn’t like. It comes with the territory when you’re a reporter.

After Wednesday’s Florida Gators practice, it was my turn to catch Urban Meyer’s ire.

“If that was my son, we’d be going at it right now,” said Urban Meyer, pointing his finger and singling me out in front of about 15 or 20 reporters gathered after Wednesday’s practice.

First, some background. Wide receiver Deonte Thompson on Monday talked about the difference between Tim Tebow and John Brantley, how receivers can benefit from Brantley’s pass-happy game. Here was his quote in its entirety:

“You never know with Tim,” Thompson said. “You can bolt, you think he’s running but he’ll come up and pass it to you. You just have to be ready at all times. With Brantley, everything’s with rhythm, time. You know what I mean, a real quarterback.”

Other reporters heard the quote, maybe eight or nine in total, and a couple used it in a story. I wrote about it briefly in the paper, and, on this blog, attempted to provide additional context.

The “real quarterback” quote suggests, at least on paper, that he could be taking a slight at Tebow. Maybe not. Most fellow reporters say Thompson didn’t rip Tebow.

The quote, of course, blew up nationally.

Players were not available after practice, but instead of coming to field questions about the workout, Meyer beelined toward me.

He was coming to defend Thompson.

He was coming to tell me I’m a “bad guy.”

“You’ll be out of practice — you understand that? — if you do that again,” said Meyer, while a couple of spectators still sat in the stands. “I told you five years ago: Don’t mess with our players. Don’t do it. You did it. You do it one more time and the Orlando Sentinel’s not welcome here ever again. Is that clear? It’s yes or no.” (finger pointing toward the face)

“Urban, come on. Don’t make any threats,” I said. “That’s fine. I’ll play by rules. But all I was doing is quoting the guy. I don’t think I was the only one.”

“You’re a bad guy, man,” Meyer said. “You’re a bad guy.”

After Meyer made the comment about what he would do if Thompson was his son and told me to “be very careful,” he located his daughter, Nicki, who was 20 yards away. Seconds later, they both turned in our direction and Meyer pointed toward me.

Meyer greeted players for about 20 minutes and was escorted out of the practice facility in a white truck from the back end of the practice facility, not the main exit where the media stood.

This story is already out there, so I just figured I’d present my side. Coaches get mad, so they approach reporters about it. I get that. A reporter’s probably not doing his or her job without getting blasted once in awhile.

But maybe Meyer felt like making a statement. Considering Meyer is a guy who is trying to suppress his stress level, his doctors probably would have frowned on today’s incident.

Meyer has not addressed the media for interviews since last Wednesday. Players and coaches are currently off limits until further notice.

I will be at Friday’s practice, with questions ready.