Hey Coach Meyer, Are the Florida Gators the New "Thug U"?

(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Twenty-four arrests in four years and counting. That is an average of six arrests per year for Urban Meyer's Florida Gators football team. 

With Urban Meyer being considered for a raise, one would think everything is going great down at the University of Florida. Everyone except the local police it would seem. It would also seem as though things off the field are completely out of control.

Yet, there has been little national media scrutiny into Meyer's lack of control down in Gainesville. It would seem that when it comes to Florida as long as you are winning big, you get a free pass when it comes to your players obeying the laws of the state of Florida.

The last arrest involved Janoris Jenkins this week, after he was involved in a fight that led to him being tasered, when he attempted to flee from the scene.

It would definitely be a bigger problem at some of the villainized schools than it has been for the "media darlings" from Gainesville. The media doesn't seem to care and neither do the Florida fans.

Meyer doesn't seem to be worried, at least he doesn't appear so, when questioned about the numerous arrests. He always just shrugs his shoulders and talks about how disappointed he is and how this or that player let down the Florida family.

Then he throws in a line or two about hoping it's not a distraction for the team and that usually is the end of it.

Where is the public outcry? Where is the media outrage?

My question is what is Meyer doing to deter this trend from continuing and what is the University of Florida doing to motivate Meyer to correct this embarrassment?

Twenty-four arrests...that adds up to almost one third of the entire Florida squad. Meyer might want to place an attorney on retainer if this problem continues.

Meanwhile, there is no mention of this situation on ESPN or any of the other national media outlets today. 

In Gainesville, it's business as usual. 

Meyer has had a lot to say about problems at other schools lately, and he is not shy about complaining about other SEC coaches' methods. Maybe he should tend to his own house before he complains about his neighbors. 

With the rumors still swirling about Meyer moving on to Notre Dame, maybe he sees it as someone else's problem to deal with down the road?

Whatever the reasons, things are not getting better at Florida; they're getting worse.

He may very well get that raise, but in my mind he will not be receiving a raise for building character in young men, he will be receiving it for building the same kind of football program Miami was being crucified in the media for not so long ago.

With other schools getting placed under the microscope by the NCAA for what seems in comparison minor problems, maybe it is time for someone to take a closer look at what is going on down in Gainesville Florida?

The NCAA is fickle dealing harshly with some schools while ignoring others. They seem more concerned with players appearing in class than players appearing in court.

No wonder the average fan doesn't understand the NCAA. You can commit a crime and nothing will happen to you, but God help you if you break a NCAA rule?

The same goes for the media, some schools can do no wrong, while others had better watch their step. 

Some schools get a pass, while other get the shaft. Some coaches are the darlings and some are branded as fair game.

If a player is arrested at Tennessee or Alabama it makes SportsCenter the same day. If one is arrested at Florida or USC you'll find it on the back page of the Sports section just above last weeks lottery numbers. 

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