Jon Sumrall jokes about bringing Tim Tebow back amidst eligibility challenges
By David Wasson
Published:
Florida Gators coaches continue to enjoy the soundbites regarding the eligibility saga surrounding Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako, as new Gators football coach Jon Sumrall humorously suggested that he might dip into the pool of former Florida greats when the 2026 season begins.
“We’re going to file a temporary restraining order and see if Tim Tebow can play short yardage and goal line QB,” Sumrall joked Wednesday during a media availability. “I don’t know what the hell is going on with all of that. I don’t understand it and am not smart enough to figure it out.
“To me, you’re either in college or you’re a pro. … We are going to coach who they let us coach, recruit who they are going to let us recruit. That is such a moving target that you don’t know who is allowed to play, and the rule could change tonight or tomorrow or whenever. We’ll see if Tebow gets his years I want back.”
Sumrall echoed the sentiments of Florida basketball coach Todd Golden, who is among many in the sport that have expressed concern regarding Bediako playing in the G League and signing a 2-way contract with the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs. Bediako returned to Alabama to play in what would have been his senior season in January, but scored just 6 points in Alabama’s 100-77 loss to Florida last weekend.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
