GAINESVILLE — Tim Tebow in Playboy? Not happening.
The Florida quarterback became the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy last December, so it's only natural that he would be everybody's preseason All-America quarterback. Right? But when Playboy asked for nominations for its annual All-America team back in the spring, Florida assistant sports information director Zack Higbee elected not to put Tebow's name on the list.
Tebow, who will attend photo shoots today for magazine covers for Sports Illustrated and The Sporting News before attending the SEC Media Days in Hoover, Ala., on Wednesday, is vocal about his deep religious convictions. His father, Bob, is a missionary. Tebow feels it could also be his calling in life, after his football career is over.
Gary Cole, senior vice president and photography director of Playboy, talked with Higbee about the decision not to nominate the Gators star.
"I spoke with Gary Cole and we're on the same page, Higbee said.
Cole said some athletes turn down the invitation to attend the Playboy function in Phoenix honoring the team, and a photo shoot, because they don't know all the facts.
"I don't hate it when someone has all the facts, understands what our weekend and our history is and then chooses not to attend,'' Cole said. "I do hate it when someone bases their choice on false or incomplete information. ... The weekend (in Phoenix) is completely wholesome. I have always brought my children whether they were 1 or 16 years old. It's a really special few days when these fellows get the opportunity to meet each other and spend a little time together. Friendships are formed at these weekends that last a lifetime.''
Florida's Danny Wuerffel, also raised in a deeply religious family, elected not to have his name on Playboy's preseason list in 1996, the year he won the Heisman.
Higbee, who works closely with Tebow on his media obligations, didn't bother to discuss the matter with Tebow. Higbee said it came up recently and Tebow was fine with the decision.
Tebow may not have made the team, anyway.
"To be honest, Pat White was my choice from very early on ... actually the end of last season,'' Cole said. "I love the way he plays the game. I love what he has accomplished in his career at West Virginia. He's a senior. Tebow will probably be around for a couple of more years. So we still have the chance to have him on the team whether or not he chooses to attend (the Playboy function honoring him).''
