First, I never liked Dickey, so this post isn't about him.

The contrarian view is that if UF had been more accommodating and gracious to its past players and coaches, maybe these defections and "traitorous" acts would not have occurred in the first place.

The point is that, maybe starting with Meyer, there's a new type of relationship in place.  This means we all have to accept everyone into the fold -- even the likes of Doug Dickey.  To not welcome Doug Dickey back with the same enthusiasm that we would welcome back Danny or Emmitt indicates that Urban/UF doesn't really mean what he says -- and this latter option is worse.  So, we have to hold our noses for a while as the mood and atmosphere change.

I realize there is wishful thinking in my words above.  There's always a bit of wishful thinking inherent in a new vision for the future.  If Urban going to be this adamant in his promise to the former players / coaches, then he must make his word completely non-negotiable.

By the way, I also believe Spurrier did himself and UF a big disservice by becoming a cock.  I believe SOS wished to come back to UF after his trist with the NFL, and SOS sees himself as being spurned -- somewhat like being fired.  However, SOS didn't look at it from the perspective of the greater good of UF.  What was his record?  Well, SOS had already walked out on UF once without providing much warning or without grooming a clear successor.  His best team ever (IMO) during his last year failed to win anything meaningful by blowing a key game at home against TN.  He was getting older.  He had become somewhat lazy in recruiting.  SOS is now on a vendetta to prove that the administration and Foley made a mistake by passing on him this time, so he's out to hurt UF in proving those guys wrong.  What will it get him?  Well, it's lose-lose for him IMO, as he will either be a loser on the field in Columbia or forever shunned by his beloved alma mater.  He's too old to ever come back to UF now -- so what's the point in proving he should be here?  SOS isn't thinking of it this way, and I believe he has tarnished his all-important legacy (to him) forever by coaching an SEC East rival.

Still, we should welcome SOS back with open arms at every opportunity, too.  Urban and the UF football program will have to be uncompromising with its promise to the former players / coaches -- even the ones who may have shafted us at some point by helping a bitter rival along the way.