Florida’s Meyer: SEC refs missed late hit on Tebow
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP)—Florida coach Urban Meyer believes Southeastern Conference officials missed a late hit on Tim Tebow in Saturday’s game against Georgia.
Meyer said Wednesday the crew calling the game should have flagged Bulldogs linebacker Nick Williams for knocking his quarterback to the ground well after he had gotten rid of the football.
Meyer sent video of the play to Rogers Redding, the league’s coordinator of officials. Meyer declined to reveal what the SEC told him, saying he didn’t “want to step out of line.”
Last week the SEC changed its discipline policy about coaches publicly criticizing officials, making the punishment either a fine or a suspensions and doing away with the reprimands. It was unclear whether Meyer would be fined for commenting on officiating.
Meyer told reporters on the SEC conference call the play was directly in front of the referee and should have penalized. Tebow handed off to running back Jeff Demps, took a few steps to his right and wasn’t looking when Williams came unblocked off the right edge and slammed into his chest.
“That should have been a penalty in my opinion,” Meyer said. “Obviously, it should have been. You’ve got to protect quarterbacks. That’s the whole purpose. It’s right in front of the referee. I’m not sure how they’re going to handle that, but … that was one of the plays we did send in.”
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