As if having Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, Les Miles, Steve Spurrier, Bobby Petrino and Houston Nutt wasn't enough, it appears that the SEC has yet another wild card in play. Tennessee's new coach, Lane Kiffin added fuel to the off-season fire today at a breakfast to celebrate his first recruiting class. Kiffin crows about stealing a recruit from Florida, while also accusing Meyer of cheating.
Kiffin accused Meyer of violating recruiting rules in the battle between the two schools over wide receiver Nu'Keese Richardson. Kiffin told a group of fans at the signing day celebration that Meyer had phoned Richardson repeatedly while the recruit was on his official visit at Tennessee.
I'm gonna turn Florida in right here in front of you," Kiffin said. I love the fact that Urban had to cheat and still didn't get him."
Richardson had committed to Florida last May, but signed with Tennessee yesterday.
Urban Meyer suddenly realizes that SEC Media Day will once again be a pain in the ass to attend.
Now Lane may have been just a little bit too giddy in his delight over his getting Richardson to switch. Phoning a recruit while on a campus visit elsewhere is not a violation. Tennessee has already announced that they have no intention of turning Florida in.
As for the Gators, well they responded quickly as well. The Gator AD Jeremy Foley released a statement saying, His allegations are inappropriate, out of line and, most importantly, totally false. It is completely unfair to Urban Meyer, our coaching staff, our football program and our institution. The appropriate action at this time in my opinion is for Coach Kiffin to make a public apology.
Let the good times roll.