GatorBait.net - Report: Tebow has flu-like symptoms

September 26, 2009

Adam Gorney
GatorBait.net Assistant Editor

After showing symptoms of the flu, senior quarterback Tim Tebow, safety Major Wright and other players did not travel to Kentucky on the team plane and instead flew separately Friday, according to a report on the Independent Alligator Web site.

The extent or seriousness of Tebow's illness has not been determined and the Alligator story cited an unnamed source saying Tebow is sick.

When asked for a flu update after Thursday's practice, coach Urban Meyer did not mention Tebow on the list but said about 35 players had contracted some sort of sickness in the last three to four weeks - whether respiratory or a stomach virus.

Meyer said early in the week Tebow has not been given any special protections or extra precautions.

Cornerback Joe Haden has also been sick but the report did not mention Haden flying separately. Starting linebacker A.J. Jones was slowed by illness but Meyer said Jones has recovered and is expected to play when the top-ranked Gators visit Kentucky at 6 p.m. Saturday.

As of 2:30 a.m. Saturday morning, Florida had not released a statement or had not immediately returned text messages or phone calls from multiple media outlets seeking comment.

Tebow's importance is obvious. So far this season, he's thrown for 540 yards and five touchdowns with one interception and has rushed for 148 yards and three scores. He is clearly in the hunt for the Heisman Trophy, an award he won his sophomore season.

Whether Tebow can play is unknown. If he cannot, the Gators would turn to redshirt sophomore John Brantley, a highly-skilled yet unproven backup. In mop-up duty this season, Brantley has thrown for 202 yards and three touchdowns.

Earlier in the week, Meyer denied Tebow had any flu-like symptoms when asked by a reporter. It has not been confirmed on the record by a Florida spokesperson or Meyer that Tebow actually does have the flu.

The Palm Beach Post reported confirmation late Friday night that Tebow is sick with the flu. Running back Jeffrey Demps, tight end Aaron Hernandez and defensive end Jermaine Cunningham all played sick last week against Tennessee.

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