Watch CBS News

Report: Percy Harvin 'Physically Attacked' New Illini Coordinator

(CBS) An in-depth Sporting News report detailing the collapse of Urban Meyer's program at the University of Florida includes details of an incident involving new Illinois offensive coordinator Billy Gonzales.

According to the report, current Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin "physically attacked" Gonzales when Harvin was a player at Florida and Gonzales was the wide receivers coach. Harvin allegedly grabbed the coach by the neck and threw him to the ground. Two assistants had to pull the receiver off the coach and Harvin was never disciplined for the incident.

Meyer confirmed that an incident between the two occurred, but did not want to go into the details. Gonzales, meanwhile, downplayed the attack.

"I think it's a little overblown. I mean, every great player wants his voice to be heard," he said.

The Sporting News report reveals a program that spun out of control under Urban Meyer. The head coach left the school citing health issues and then accepted the head coaching job at Ohio State less than a year later.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.