Bronco closing the doors to the media…

As I am sure most of you know Coach Mendenhall has closed the doors to practice. Many are probably wondering if that’s necessary, and some may think that it distracts simply because players recognize the coaches stepping in and acknowledging that it’s a big game. I say good move Bronco.

The media -and fans- pump this game up until they get themselves in a frenzy. Of course, the media loves it because of the hostile nature of their readers. Every reporter is hoping to get the next white board gem slipping off of some players hot tongue.

There have been a lot of nasty remarks passed back and forth from Provo to Salt Lake. Bronco is simply making a statement to his team that nothing and no one is above the team -you know band of brothers. Bronco also has some young “star” players that are confident in their abilities, which are two ingredients for some great locker-room fodder.

Taking the media out of the practices simply gives your team one less thing to think about. Gone are the worries about holding your tongue and making sure what you are saying can’t be misunderstood. All the team has to think about are their assignments, alignments, reads and abilities. The coaching staff -more then anyone- understands that this game is important and they aren’t going to let interviews and news articles distract from the upcoming game.

If there is one thing that Coach Mendenhall hates it’s when a person draws attention to themselves through the media. When I was playing I took Coach Hill’s advice when he told the DB’s that none of the reporters are your friends. They may act nice and shoot the shiz with you after practice, but just remember there isn’t any comment that they wouldn’t post on the front page of any of their newspaper.

How ironic is it that I am now writing about my past football experiences and asking my teammates to do the same. I’ve come full circle. ☹

I applaud Coach for the way he manages his team, the media and the rivalry. Some may think he takes this game lightly, but I assure you he does not. He simply doesn’t let his emotions and feelings cloud his judgments. Honestly, I think he closes off practice so he can let his players hear it, without restraint or digression. Bronco and Co. can yell with the best of them, but their yelling is more of the challenging type of screaming, not a demeaning tirade that leaves everyone wide eyed and questioning their manhood.

You always new it was an important game when the word “suckers” started creeping into Bronco’s vocabulary.