Urban Meyer apologies for ‘stupid’ viral video

It’s been an interesting weekend for Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer. Following Thursday night’s narrow 24-21 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Meyer decided to stay back in Ohio where he was family and was the long-time coach at Ohio State. Still, the decision not to fly with the team was a bizarre move given that NFL coaches always fly back with their teams. Then things got more bizarre.

Over the weekend a video was leaked of Meyer in an Ohio bar on Friday night with a very young and very blonde lady pretending to give him a lap dance.

Meyer does appear to keep his hands to himself but still this is not a great look for a married coach who should have traveled home with his 0-4 team.

Back in Jacksonville Monday, a demoralized Meyer apologized for the incident. With his head largely down, Meyer told the media that he stayed back in Ohio to spend time with his grandchildren and that it was after a dinner out that when he was put in the compromised position.

“They wanted me to come over and take pictures, and I did,” Meyer said. “They’re trying to pull me out on the dance floor, screwing around, I should have left.” 

Meyer said he apologized to his team and to team officials including owner Shad Khan and general manager Trent Baalke for the video, which he called “stupid.”

It’s been a rough transition for Meyer to the NFL. This latest controversy comes after he tried to hire strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle, who was fired from Iowa State after accusations of racism and bullying. There have also been reports of behind the scenes turmoil in Jacksonville stemming from Meyer. And, of course, the team is failing to execute and not winning games.