Urban Meyer: Lane Kiffin Accusation Was No Laughing Matter

The most entertaining story of this college football off-season has been the way Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin keeps sticking his foot in his mouth, including an allegation that Florida coach Urban Meyer cheated by illegally contacting a recruit. At least, it's been entertaining to those of us on the outside.

Meyer, who was vindicated when Kiffin admitted he was wrong, doesn't find anything funny about it. Commenting about the kerfuffle for the first time today, Meyer was gruff when the Orlando Sentinel asked him whether he thought it was funny:

Sentinel: Not sure if you've publicly commented about the Lane Kiffin controversy – does that maybe seem a little silly or humorous now in hindsight:
Meyer: "I didn't find it humorous."

Sentinel: Not then, I'm sure, but perhaps now?
Meyer: "It's not humorous. I can think of a few other words that I'm not going to say, but certainly not humorous."

Sentinel: Have you talked to Kiffin, or has he reached out and apologized:
(Meyer shakes head no).

Sentinel: For the fans, though, that certainly adds a little spice to the rivalry
Meyer: "I'm not going to comment on it any more than I just did. I guess you could say that."

There's a part of me that thinks Meyer should just lighten up, but you really can't blame him for failing to see any humor in a false allegation of cheating. And for Kiffin simply to issue a statement of apology -- rather than apologize to Meyer personally -- doesn't reflect very well on him. After all of Kiffin's talk, Meyer comes out looking better and Kiffin comes out looking worse.