It also sounds like it’s going to be a lame sports story.
“Swamp Kings” is more like a late-night infomercial for the University of Florida, with Meyer and his players effectively selling the goods in their own way.
“I think that people think they know the athletes. People watch a lot of football at the weekend and you think you know these young men. And maybe we don’t. Maybe, you know, maybe there’s a side to them that is much more tender; much more,” series director Katharine English told USA TODAY Sports. “More human. More fearful. More full of hubris at times. What I was so blown away by was how incredible all the players were in their description of the football.”
An Urban Meyer infomercial. Just what the world has been jonesing for.
Whatever people think of Urban Meyer, the former Florida head coach who won two national championships with the Gators, it’s doubtful that perception will change.
So what’s the point, exactly?
In Florida’s unwavering desire to succeed, Meyer’s teams stood out for their success and ability to stay in the headlines because of off-the-field issues.
Nearly three dozen arrests of Florida players occurred during Meyer’s time there, ranging from underage drinking to disorderly conduct, burglary, larceny, credit card fraud, aggravated assault and domestic violence.
Another program Mark Richt lost control of. No word on whether they got Huntley Johnson to appear in the show. That I would watch.
Those incidents did nothing to deter Florida from winning games, as some arrested players never faced punishment. Meyer attempts to explain the rationale in his discipline style and creating a culture of toughness. The film lets the audience decide if responsibility was taken or if excuses for bad behavior gloss over the perspective of trying to tell a compelling and entertaining story.
Meyer first declined to participate when approached about appearing in the film but later changed his mind after realizing the blowback he would receive if he didn’t.
Sounds like he worried over nothing. Meh.
Get The Picture 