I’m not sure why Corch decided he had to go there – anybody think Saban would have wasted his time on this shit? – but go there he did. Texting with old media buddies…
“I just received an email from a friend where there is an accusation of multiple failed drug tests covered up by the Univ. of Florida or the coaching staff,” Meyer wrote in a text to The Sun. “This is absolutely not true. Hernandez was held to the same drug testing policy as every other player.
“He was an athlete at Florida 4-to-7 years ago and there are some comments being made that are not correct. Our staff, myself and our families worked very hard to mentor and guide him. Prayers and thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim. Relating or blaming these serious charges to Univ. of Florida, myself or our staff is wrong and irresponsible.”
… and new.
Two things there. First, nice weasel words about UF’s drug policy. Unlike a certain institution which shall remain nameless, at Florida, a student-athlete doesn’t go down for his first drug offense. Last time I check, “multiple” means more than one. And since we do know that Hernandez was suspended at one point for failing a drug test, all we’re left with is parsing whatever “covered up” is supposed to mean there.
Second, about that mentoring… well, Corch is entering “when did you stop beating your wife?” territory with that “worked very hard” stuff. Why was it necessary to do so? And did he realize it wasn’t taking?
Of course, if you want more distance, the next step is the one Meyer’s family is taking – it’s nobody’s fault but Hernandez’. Certainly, there’s a basic level where that’s the case. But let’s not lose sight of Urban the Pious. Corch, like almost every one of his peers, has no problem proclaiming his sacred duty to mentor the kids he looks to sign as he travels the recruiting trail. And afterwards, for that matter. So which is it?
Honestly, he’d have been smart to keep his mouth shut. This is just more grist for the mill.