phipps@fortune.UUCP (Clay Phipps) (08/31/84)
According to my brother who lives 100 miles from Gainesville (FL),
Univ. of Florida Head Coach Charley Pell resigned recently,
as a consequence of 'errors in judgment' that came to light
during the protracted NCAA preliminary investigation
of alleged recruiting violations at the school.
Pell came to Florida in 1979 from Clemson, which was found guilty
by the NCAA 2 or 3 years ago of recruiting violations
that occurred during Pell's tenure there.
There is a clause in Pell's contract at Florida that stipulates
that he would be fired if the school is found guilty of recruiting
violations; such a clause is becoming increasingly common
in college football coaching contracts.
It is unclear whether he will serve as Head Coach for the duration
of the season. The Univ. of Florida administration has conducted
its last two searches (1969, 1978) for head coaches very poorly,
so an assumption of finesse on the administration's part
is not a reasonable one.
The team, which has been alleged to be "three deep" at every position,
is firmly committed to giving Pell a good final year as Gator coach.
Favorite candidates are Steve Spurrier of the Tampa Bay Bandits
(and Heisman Trophy winner at Florida, and Lindy Infante
of the Jacksonville Bulls, also an ex-Gator quarterback.
The above should be bad news for Dawg fans who realize
that Pell never beat Georgia, neither at Florida nor Clemson.
Now someone else gets a chance.
In other news, the Florida starting quarterback injured his ankle
(or knee ?) in a recent practice, and will be out for the season.
Copies of this year's Gator schedule available upon request.
-- Clay Phipps
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