Phil Bennett's ban on attendance at practice

[PerunaRaider]

Why does Bennett insist on closing practices to the public? I am trying to get excited for the upcoming season, but the "top secret" nature of the football program continually deters all my enthusiasm. Is our offense that big of a secret? Is the team actually practicing or simply holding seminars on the 7 most effective methods of coping with a losing record? What is going on in Ford?

[Corso]

I can't believe he's worried about fans watching too closely, and I can't believe he's worried that opposing teams are sending a spy to see how we run our extra points. I would think that more than anything, he doesn't want the players to get distracted.

Can't wait for the Red/Blue Game!

[PK]

I think the main reason for having closed practices is to cut down on the distractions. You can go and watch through the fence and nobody hassels you. What they don't want is a bunch of people crowding the edge of the practice field or trying to talk to the players and becoming a nuisance. There is nothing at this point that would qualify for "secret" status.

[ponyNOLE]

PB probably doesn't want anybody watching practices because he's scared they'll see how much he isin't doing to improve the team for next year. I've played in both open and closed practices, and distractions aren't a problem. There isin't time to stand around and talk to on-lookers. An open practice invites students to come and see what their friends are doing to find a way to get better.

[me@smu]

To say something like PB isn't doing anything to improve the team is asinine. Practices are closed on many campuses around the country, because not every player is as mentally focused as our friend ponyNOLE there. Besides, considering the coeds we have running around SMU, I could hardly blame the team for being slightly distracted if the girls showed up for an open practice.

[Dutch]

how many of the really hot SMU co-eds do you honestly think would show up for a practice? they don't even go into the games.

[EastStang]

Depends if the benches at Ford are a better tanning location than McElvaney Beach.

[BUS]

Great point, There were a few times while rinning the stairs at Ownby that you would scare up the topless coed hiding out for some secret sunning.

It was a distraction.

To set things straight, go watch as much as you want. Just do not go inside the gated area. Closed not secret.

The coaches need to have every player learn and pay attention to what each team mate is learning. FOCUS.

[Eddie P]

The annual complaint. The cause of all our woes...closed practice. It would be somewhat worth debating if he hadn't been doing it for 4 years now.

NOLE,

Yeah, that's exactly why he's closed practice. Clown.

[ponyNOLE]

haha

[MrMustang1965]

I stopped by the practice Tuesday afternoon for about 30-45 minutes. Watched thru the fence on the east and west side. Even said 'Hello' to Coach B. who said 'Hello' back and said, "Great to see ya! Thanks for stopping by and watching!" As long as you stay OUTSIDE along the fence, you're fine.

[2112]

Phil does not want people talking to the players, he wants them to focus.