Urban Meyer closed practice to protect the players

[O-town Gator]

"Florida coach Urban Meyer decided not to have the first two days of practice open to the media and the fans because he is worried about unscrupulous agents, memorabilia dealers, and eligibility issues.

Meyer said Thursday he spoke with school officials and other coaches about making sure there is additional security for the players on the walks to and from the locker room and practice field."

More: http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400607/michael-dirocco/2010-08-06/urban-meyer-closed-practice-protect-players?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JacksonvillecomUfFootball+%28Jacksonville.com%3A+UF+Sports%29

More from the Gainesville Sun: http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20100805/ARTICLES/100809682/1136?Title=Meyer-explains-decision-to-close-preseason-practices

 

[O-town Gator]

ESPN's take on the closed practices - just my two cents, but I'm glad Urban did what he did. As I said in my blogger, we don't need any unnecessary distractions from the media or others that could disrupt this team, and after the Maurkice Pouncey episode the last thing we need is to be in trouble with the NCAA over a breach of the rules. Some fans may not like it, but unfortunately it only takes a few bad apples to spoil it for the rest of the bunch.

Link: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5446205

 

[Mr2Bits]

I don't like Meyer closing practice to fans and media. I spent many days as a student going to check out practice in between or after classes.

 

[CaliZona_Gator]

I don't mind it too much. But I wish they would have a few light practices open to fans. Just enough to please everybody while still keeping most things between the players and coaches.

 

[O-town Gator]

I think having the practices closed sucks as well; if I had the means to make it up to Gainesville again this year to catch the start of fall practices had they been open to the public, I would have been up there with bells on.

In part because of all these individuals who won't abide by NCAA rules govering interaction with student-athletes, practices were closed this year. There's a reason why Urban, Billy Donovan and our other coaches make these "Ask Before You Act" public-service announcements, but unfortunately some people let what they're saying go in one ear and out the other - and it doesn't have to be this way.

Add to that the jerks in the media who can't just report the news in a factual manner for what it's worth and feel a need to misconstrue what they're told just to attract readers and/or cause controversy on purpose, as well as rumor-mongers who are up to no good, and it's easy to see the method in the madness. Because of all this and a need to both protect his players and keep them focused, Urban had no other choice but to close the practice sessions - and IMHO he did the right thing.