Ohio State's Meyer defends his time at Florida

COLUMBUS, Ohio – New Ohio State coach Urban Meyer says he is disappointed in published reports he showed favoritism to star players and oversaw a Florida program that winked at disciplinary problems.

Speaking on a Big Ten coaches teleconference on Wednesday, Meyer says he did favor players who worked hard on the field and in the classroom.

In a three-month investigation of Meyers' tenure at Florida, which he left due to health problems after the 2010 season, the Sporting News quotes ex-players who say Meyer and his staff had different rules for the best players.

Meyer says he's gotten calls from players and coaches complaining about the story. He defends his time at Florida, during which the Gators won two national titles.