Urban Meyer has been everywhere lately. Talk radio shows, ESPN, websites … you name it, they’re talking about Urban Meyer. But they’re not talking about his two National Titles or the upcoming 2009 team that will be the preseason No. 1 team. Urban Meyer has been feuding with former Gator QB Shane Matthews over comments made following the loss to Ole Miss in 2008.

Following the Gators’ loss, Matthews was critical of the way Urban Meyer was running the offense. He made comments about how Meyer wasn’t using our WRs in the right way considering Ole Miss was playing man-to-man the entire game. Keep in mind, Shane is a radio talk show host… he wasn’t on the sidelines or in Meyer’s office. Urban didn’t take to well to former gator players being critical of the way he’s running the team.

Meyer’s response…

“If you want to be critical of a player on our team or a coach on our team you can buy a ticket for seat 37F, you’re not welcome back in the football office,” Meyer said, according to the report. “You’re either a Gator or you’re not a Gator.”

Damn.

As a Gator news site, and someone who is in a similar position as Shane Matthews, you’d think I would take his side. But I actually understand where Meyer is coming from, and don’t think he’s out of bounds. Meyer wants to surround his team with a positive influence, with people who are supportive of his ability to lead. He doesn’t want to bring someone into the locker room who a few months ago undermined his ability to coach.

It’s a tough situation, but as long as Shane Matthews is part of the media, Meyer will have to treat him as media… not necessarily a Gator. Media who criticize the coach aren’t going to be welcomed into his office or the team locker room. That’s the way it is.