NBC4 apologizes for technician who interrupted Jim Mora

Roughly 90 seconds into Jim Mora’s press conference yesterday, a NBC4 technician began muttering loudly on his phone in the back corner. Mora had been talking about the death of receiver Nick Pasquale, and quickly became angry.

“Hey, shut up,” he said. He continued to glare at the technician, and exchanged a few more words with him before storming out of the room.

The story quickly spread nationally, with most media and fans siding with Mora. NBC4 issued an apology last night: Continue reading “NBC4 apologizes for technician who interrupted Jim Mora” »

Bruins reeling after death of beloved teammate Nick Pasquale

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Carl Hulick nearly wept as he walked out of the UCLA locker room Monday morning. His eyes still red, he hugged one teammate for comfort. Several more patted him on the shoulder.

Physical comforts only helped so much. A few seconds later, Hulick gritted his teeth and slammed his own helmet. Death still haunted him.

Bruins receiver Nick Pasquale had been pronounced dead at 1:27 a.m. Sunday, struck by a vehicle in residential San Clemente. An investigation is ongoing, but there is currently no suspicion of drug or alcohol use. The driver called 9-1-1 and remained on scene. No arrests were made.

News filtered through the community quickly, spreading to players in their respective locations. With the bye, many had taken the rare weekend off the visit home. One heard the news after getting off his flight.

When head coach Jim Mora finally assembled a team meeting Sunday night, the room was silent.

“Everybody on that team, everybody in the locker room has a different relationship with Nick. Knew him in a different way,” Mora said Monday. “Whatever they were feeling was OK. Continue reading “Bruins reeling after death of beloved teammate Nick Pasquale” »

Jim Mora reflects on receiver Nick Pasquale’s death

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After being interrupted in his initial press conference Monday afternoon, Jim Mora spoke to UCLA beat writers about his memories of UCLA receiver Nick Pasquale. The 20-year-old died early Sunday morning when he was hit by a car in his hometown of San Clemente.

“He was a kid who epitomized everything that you’re looking for a in football player, from his spirit to his selfless work ethic, his commitment to the team, his toughness,” Mora said.

In memory of Pasquale, the Bruins will wear his No. 36 on the front of their jersey near the left shoulder. “I want it to be prominent,” Mora said. “I want people to see it.”

Nebraska will also wear a No. 36 decal on its helmets for Saturday’s game against UCLA. There will be a moment of silence for Pasquale before the 11 a.m. CST kickoff at Memorial Stadium.

Jim Mora storms out of presser when media member talks on phone

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UCLA head coach Jim Mora began his Monday press conference by talking about receiver Nick Pasquale, who died early Sunday morning in a car accident. However, a local media member (a TV technician) interrupted the session by talking on the phone in the back corner, drawing an irate admonishment from Mora.

After delivering an A+ death glare, Mora stormed out of the room. Unsurprisingly, he did not return. This was Mora’s only scheduled availability this week.