Meyer cleared in NCAA investigation

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The NCAA has found no rules violations in Florida coach Urban Meyer's recruitment of junior college receiver Carl Moore, the school said Tuesday.

``Allegations about impermissible telephone calls by the football staff have been reviewed by the NCAA and the university, and at this time, the information does not indicate any violations of NCAA rules occurred,'' Florida spokesman Steve McClain said.

The NCAA's findings were first reported by Florida Today. The NCAA did not return a phone message seeking comment.

Meyer had several conversations with Moore's girlfriend, current Florida gymnast Maranda Smith, while both were attending Sierra (Calif.) Community College last fall.

Since the Gators were recruiting Smith to the gymnastics team, it was questioned whether Meyer violated NCAA rules by talking to Smith, who apparently shared a cell phone with Moore.

It also was questioned whether Meyer handed a cell phone to quarterback Tim Tebow to talk to Moore right after Tebow won the Heisman Trophy, which would have violated a rule that prevents coaches from having current athletes help them recruit others.

Moore signed with the Gators last fall and enrolled in classes last month. Smith also signed with Florida and is competing with the gymnastics team.