Meyer: Tebow stayed because of waiver

Speaking to state politicians, UF coach Urban Meyer said that the NCAA is loosening restrictions for the Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association.

Florida coach Urban Meyer told state politicians on Thursday morning in Tallahassee that UF quarterback Tim Tebow chose to stay for his senior season only after the NCAA approved a waiver allowing Tebow's father, Bob Tebow, to accept donations for his orphanage in the Philippines, according to this.

"He would not be our quarterback any longer if that did not happen," Meyer said.

Meyer, Tebow, linebacker Ryan Stamper and UF president Bernie Machen attended a breakfast on Thursday in Tallahassee honoring the Gators' 2008 national championships.

[PICTURED, Tim Tebow wants to help people, but probably not Florida State.]

"My reason for coming back wasn't to win another championship, which we're tying to do, or to go higher in the draft," Tebow said. "It was to have an impact on today's youth, something that most athletes don't ever take the time to think about.

"It's not about me. It's about, who can I help?"

Governor Charlie Crist, a proud Florida State alum, thanked Tebow for returning for his senior season.

"How many of you are Gator grads?" Crist asked a large group of state politicians. "I am not but I am proud to honor them -- and crazy if I don't.

"What the university has done, Bernie, is nothing short of amazing and even this Seminole heart beats a little harder when I'm watching you guys win their second championship in three years."

Tebow returned to Gainesville on Thursday but is leaving for Atlantic City, N.J., on Friday to accept the Maxwell Award, given annually to the best all-around college football player. After Atlantic City, Tebow is headed to the Philippines for a mission trip during spring break.

-jo-