Crist and "the Savior"

Gov. Charlie Crist is trying to be many things to many people as he rounds out his gubernatorial term and continues his campaign for the U.S. Senate. Apparently the latest of those things is football expert.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist thinks Tim Tebow could be the answer to the Jacksonville Jaguars attendance problems.

Crist said Monday that he's talked with the Jaguars ownership about taking the celebrated Florida quarterback in the NFL draft next April as a means to sell more season tickets and keep the team from moving out of Jacksonville.

About 17,000 fans chose not to renew their season tickets this year, many citing the economic climate. About 30,000 seats were empty Sunday for Jacksonville's 23-18 victory over Houston.

Tebow, who grew up in Jacksonville, won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 and led the Gators to a national championship last year.

Floridians like me who have lived in the state for many years probably remember Bob Graham's famous "workdays," when he would take on a different job for a day to learn what the state's citizens were dealing with on a daily basis. Well, it looks to me like Crist has taken a page from Graham's book, anointing himself de facto general manager of the Jaguars. Of course, Graham conducted his workdays to understand Florida and Floridians better, while Crist's new "job" smacks more of political pandering, but that's pretty much been Charlie's M.O. for his whole career -- why should he change now?

Seriously, though, I hope Crist thrives in his apparent new role evaluating talent for the Jags. After all, it's a hell of a lot better for our state than his current job ... not to mention the job he wants next.

HE15MAN

Since this is, after all, a blog emanating from and largely dedicated to America's Wang™, I suppose I'm obligated to comment on Florida QB Tim Tebow winning the Heisman Trophy as America's best college football player in 2007.

In the interest of full and fair disclosure, let me first paraphrase a certain hypocritical Republican senator from Idaho: I am not a Gator fan. I never have been a Gator fan. If anything, my Gator-hater status has gotten worse since Steve Spurrier left, because they keep winning championships! Still, part of it is legitimate because my lifelong (well, since high school) best friend is a graduate of Florida State. Part of this is because two universities for which I have worked -- this year alone -- lost to the Gators in football this season. And, well, if you live in Florida, you pretty much have to choose among UF, FSU, and Miami ... for now.

Having said all that, though, there is no doubt in my mind (and, obviously, the minds of a vast majority of Heisman voters) that Tebow (right) richly deserved to be the first sophomore to win the Heisman. Not only was he the most valuable player on a 9-3 bowl-bound team, but he dominated the opposition. Whether running or throwing, no one could stop him (although Georgia did a decent job of limiting him in Jacksonville).

So, grudgingly, I acknowledge and congratulate UF for yet another victory. Here's one Gator Chomp for you.

Well, you couldn't see it. But trust me. And you only get one.