The Petting Zoo
The annual Salute to Troy barbeque is this Sunday at USC. In the past, the players mingled with fans and signed autographs (except Matt Leinart). It is considered an event to kick off the season for the fans and team.
But NCAA sanctions changed this year's event. Here's how the university describes it:
``We need to maintain the separation of our student-athletes and guests to protect our football program.
``In order to protect the student-athletes and the university, we will have a designated ``Meet and Greet'' area for players and guests. The football players will be available in this area from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. to sign autographs and take photos. There will also be a selected seating area for players and families that will only be accessible to them. Please do not ask for autographs or photos outside the ``Meet and Greet'' area or enter this seating area.''
I'd go with a Shark Tank metaphor. I really hope this is Pat Haden being passive aggressive rather than buying into this NCAA compliance BS.
The NCAA was clearly out to hurt the football program the university, and the fans. Paul Dee and the COI can rot in hell!
Now, am I to suppose this type of scrutiny would hold over to all the non-rev (Mens /Womens) sports as well, I think Not!
The NCAA; I feel, has overstepped its bounds or Pat Haden is a Wuss!
Scooter, does it really need to be mentioned AGAIN that Leinart didn't sign autographs ALL THOSE YEARS AGO. Geez, get over it and go get some real scoop. Au-UGH!!!!
Meet the players, for what? it's not like they're the defending national champions, like the Tide. And as for keeping the players away from agents well, there isn't a single player on this team that an agent wouldn want to get his hands dirty on. USC sucks!!
will their be any possums at the petting zoo?
At this rate, the next step will be to ban spectators from the games.
Cheat, I guess if the same were to hold true at Fucla, the fans would have only met 1/2 of the 1954 team. Period!
ROFLMAO.
geez Louise, what's all the commotion about? Haden is doing all he can to prevent the ubiquitous $100 handshakes so common to any Southern Cal function!
bravo Haden! but know there will always be a seedy element who don't like any changes to Cheatey's formula!
do you trOJies have any idea how lucky you are to have wolf as your beat reporter?? if a water bottle is running low at a practice, wolf knows about it! i am a big Jon Gold fan and Doh!n before him, but you have to realize, wolf has a network of contacts so vast and expansive, if someone misses an assignment, wolf usually knows it before the coaches do!!
what is the word to describe wolf’s sweeeeeeet scooops??? ….sublime. yes.