Sinners vs. Saints: Unlike Gators, Tide players largely have avoided off-the-field trouble

Sinners vs. Saints: Unlike Gators, Tide players largely have avoided off-the-field trouble

Coaches deserve blame when there are problems and credit when there aren’t many/any, says Jeff Benedict, a Southern Virginia University English professor who is tracking arrests of pro and college athletes.

“As a general rule, coaches are the first line of defense in terms of signing players to scholarships,” Benedict said. “Essentially they’re the screening device for a college. They’re the ones who go into the homes and meet with the players and determine who is worthy to hold a scholarship and wear the uniform of the institution. That’s a pretty big deal.”

Coaches have almost a parental role in their oversight of players, Benedict said.

AL.com
10/1/10