Florida's Meyer rips reporter in defense of player

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- With a stern look and some finger pointing, Florida coach Urban Meyer had harsh words for a reporter following spring practice.

Meyer, speaking for the first time in a week, confronted an Orlando Sentinel reporter Wednesday and defended receiver Deonte Thompson.

It was unclear whether Meyer really took issue with the Sentinel's story on Thompson or if he was merely angry because Thompson didn't intend to rip former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow.

Sentinel reporter Jeremy Fowler quoted Thompson as referring to John Brantley as a ``real quarterback,'' a comment that Meyer took issue with.

The exchange was caught on video, captured by a photographer and witnessed by a dozen or more people including several fans leaving spring practice.