The Pacific 10 Conference doesn't allow anybody younger than 18 from being on the sideline during a game. Like a lot of rules, Rick Neuheisel doesn't like it.
In an attempt to get the rule tossed out, the UCLA coach recently took his case to other Pac-10 coaches, and they voted, 9-1, in favor of Neuheisel's proposal. Unfortunately, it takes a vote of 10-0 to get anything done.
So who was the coach who voted against it? Neuheisel, speaking to a booster gathering last month, makes no secret that it was USC's Pete Carroll.
While Neuheisel's proposal would seem to make sense, the attorney in him should know better. There are liability issues involved and having a bunch of kids running around the sideline only creates the possibility of something very bad happening. Don't believe it? Check out the video after the jump.
Fortunately, 4-year-old Caden Thomas wasn't seriously injured during this incident at Colorado State's 2007 spring game, but he did require 30 stitches. Colorado State was quick to change its policy allowing kids on the sidelines.
Back to Neuheisel, who put on the charm at the booster gathering in Westlake Village, Calif. He said it will take some time to get his program on solid football. Thanks to Bruins Nation.
Seem Rick got the rule wrong. The Pac10 already has an exemption for kids under 18 as long as they are preforming game day activities (like the ones Rick wanted his kids to do). Also the coaches don't even get to make this decision, it's the ADs and they voted it down the same day 8-2.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/06/uclas-rick-neuheisel-may-not-have-uscs-pete-carroll-on-his-side-but-the-kids-are-fine.html
Posted by: ev | June 09, 2009 at 08:37 PM