Coach's point taken, Grossman makes his

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© St. Petersburg Times
published January 3, 2002

MIAMI -- Midnight arrived, curfew's hour called, and you knew exactly where Rex Grossman stood. That would be back in Steve Spurrier's good graces.

Heaven knows there is not a lot of room there. One misstep in any direction and you could find yourself brushing up against Darnell Dockett.

But as Wednesday night gave way to Thursday morning, Spurrier stood on a makeshift podium at the 10-yard line and welcomed Grossman back in the fold.

"Rex was sharp. Really sharp," Spurrier said. "That was one of his best games ever, if not the best."

In other words, apology accepted.

This was Grossman's best hope. His one chance to prove he was sorry for his untimely curfew violation. He spoke the language Spurrier understands best. Hitting a fade pattern here, drilling a post pattern there.

In Spurrier's world, some sins are more understandable than others. A defensive player can stand in handcuffs on Bourbon Street after a brawl and still play in the Sugar Bowl. But no quarterback of his is going to show a lack of appreciation for the game by showing up after curfew.

"I don't ever want to sit again," Grossman said. "That's definitely a motivation to do things the right way."

For Florida, this is the most important lesson to come out of the Orange Bowl. Not that the Gators have more speed than Maryland or that defensive coordinator Jon Hoke will live to see another day.

Knowing Spurrier and Grossman have reached a truce offers the most promise for another season.

There will be no quarterback controversy. No discussion of opening up the battle between Grossman and Brock Berlin in the spring. The job belongs to Grossman and, at least for another season, Grossman belongs to Spurrier.

You might argue that the benching of Grossman on Wednesday was nothing more than a ploy to win Berlin's favor. And you might be partially right.

Of course Spurrier wants Berlin in Gainesville. The next quarterback on the depth chart is Ingle Martin, a true freshman schooled on the option.

But if Spurrier were extending an olive branch to Berlin, he was also using it to rap Grossman on the knuckles.

Grossman's disregard for curfew was a personal affront to Spurrier, who works more with the quarterbacks than any other players.

Let Grossman slide, and the other players notice. Let Grossman off easily, and the quarterback grows more bold.

Spurrier, if nothing else, has an acute sense of justice. A slight is never forgotten, disloyalty is never forgiven. At the same time, dedication should be rewarded and loyalty should be remembered.

Unlike Grossman, Berlin is close to being a straight-A student. Berlin did not miss time in the spring for academic reasons. Berlin did not blow off voluntary summer workouts to return home.

"Brock Berlin has been to every offseason workout he's supposed to be at for two years, been on time to every meeting, been to practice every day," Spurrier said at a news conference Tuesday. "If there is any kid that deserves a chance to see what he can do, it's Brock Berlin."

Berlin is the type of person Spurrier wants at quarterback. He is studious where Grossman is playful. He is obedient where Grossman is mischievous. He is Danny Wuerffel, where Grossman is Brett Favre.

Therein lies the problem.

Grossman is clearly the superior quarterback. His arm is stronger, his feel for the game is more acute. Berlin may do everything right six days a week, but it appears Grossman will always be better on the seventh.

Given more time and greater opportunities, Berlin might approximate the successes Grossman has enjoyed. But if he were really better, do you think Spurrier would hesitate to hand him the job?

Weeks ago, it seemed obvious Berlin's time at Florida was winding down. Spurrier had graciously given him permission to transfer to any school, and Berlin already was sending out feelers.

Miami was interested. Texas Tech, too. The move was imminent; only the destination was in question.

Then Spurrier presented an alternative. If Berlin were going to sit out a season because of NCAA transfer rules, why not redshirt next year at UF?

Let's face it: The Gators cannot count on Grossman as their quarterback in 2003. If he takes a step forward next season, he is likely to leave early for the NFL. If he takes a step backward, he will bump into Berlin.

So Spurrier can plausibly offer Berlin a two-year window as a starter if he chooses to redshirt at Florida.

"I haven't made up my mind at all," Berlin said after the game. "I'm going to go home and spend some time with my family and I'll make a statement in a few days."

Grossman, on the other hand, made his statement Wednesday night.

Even if he arrived to the action a little late.

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