Former University of Florida coach Urban Meyer has finally broke his silence to defend himself over the treatment Aaron Hernandez allegedly received while suiting up for the Gators.
The former New England Patriot, Hernendez, played at the University of Florida under Meyer from 2007-09. The player has recently been charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Odin Lloyd, close to Hernandez’s home in Massachusetts.
Prosecutors say the former NFL player had Lloyd shot because he was angry at him for conversing with certain people at a nightclub.
“Prayers and thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim,” Meyer said. “Relating or blaming these serious charges to the University of Florida, myself or our staff is wrong and irresponsible.”
Meyer had not made a statement about the murder charges until now. He said his comments were aimed at countering the inaccurate stories he’s been seeing in the media about the treatment Hernandez received while at Florida.
“I just received an email from a friend where there is an accusation of multiple failed drug tests by Hernandez covered up by University of Florida or the coaching staff. This is absolutely not true,” Meyer texted to the Columbus Dispatch.
“Hernandez was held to the same drug-testing policy as every other player. He was an athlete at Florida 4-7 yrs ago and there are some comments being made that are not correct. Our staff, myself and our families worked very hard to mentor and guide him.”
