Florida responds to take-out-Tebow rhetoric

GAINESVILLE -- UF quarterback Tim Tebow's official response to LSU's Ricky Jean-Francois: Bring it.

We're paraphrasing, of course. Timmy didn't say "bring it," but in so many words Tebow let it be known he isn't scared of a little trash talk from LSU's underclassman defensive end. Jean-Francois said last week that LSU wanted to take out Tebow.

"I don't think it's ever really a good thing to talk trash because all it does is fire your opponent up. At least that's how it is for me," Tebow said. "Whatever you can use as motivation."

On Tuesday, LSU's sports information office issued this clarification to Ricky's trash talk. Apparently, Ricky sat down and wrote this (In other words, LSU's sports information office wrote this.):

"We never go into any football game trying to hurt a player from the other team. My comments in regard to Florida quarterback Tim Tebow were misinterpreted and were intended to reflect the style of football that we play at LSU. We have great respect for Tim as a player and a competitor. By taking him of the game, I meant as a defense we are going to try to make him ineffective. I'm sorry my initial comments were interpreted another way."

Well, you're in luck, Ricky. Tebow knew what you meant.

"I'm a competitor, so I think he wasn't meaning it like a lot of people took it," Tebow said. "You try to use anything as motivation, too, but I don't really think he meant everything he said. But part of it was true, we do have a good training staff."

Florida coach Urban Meyer wasn't as understanding about Jean-Francois' comments.

"There's no place for that. If you hear one of our guys say something, we just take him out the media. You know what I think happens, and I don't know this guy, but I think people just say 'Give me something.' Our players have told me that. That someone says 'Give me something,' and they stick a microphone in a 19-year-old's face and say, 'Give me something to say to this guy.' I don't care, but I wish that stuff wouldn't happen."

Urban, you're in the minority on this one. We love smack talk here.

-jo-

Comments

[CokeCanes]

Jo,

What do you think Tebow will do this year when he scores against LSU?
It is almost with Chad Johnson anticipation.

Last year it was dialing the cell phone. This year? Maybe something to do with this comment.

[Goody]

Good question. I'm going to go ahead and rule out the throat slash.

-jo-

[GatorTime]

There is not a thing Tebow should do after scoring, but he should extend the celebration if/when GAtors win.

[GatorWho? No, LSU!]

What do you think Tebow will do this year when he scores against LSU?

Probably cry because the score will be around 48 to 7.

Last years dialing the cell phone was a classic, except you lost!

Get ready to fall out of the top 25 after another beating at your home stadium.

[X-Man (Former Gator)]

We are playing tackle football. A defensive player’s job is to deliver the hardest hit to their opponent. I know RJF personally; he is not a dirty player. However, RJF will knock the taste out of your mouth.

[RicoPallazzo!]

He and the whole team should run out to celebrate in the endzone. Wait ... that's someone else.

[DWJ]

RJF or another LSU defensive player will knock tebag out of the game. His o-line hasn't protected him very well. One thing I can take from RJF's comments is that LSU's defense is watching film and can't wait to get their hands on tebag. uf has played lesser teams and the o-line has been exposed. Once they play a team that can match them in talent, it will get ugly!!!
34-17 Tigers!