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Bielema was asked about evidence regarding injuries. His answer: "Death certificates," referencing the death of a Cal football player.
— Troy Schulte (@TroySchulteADG) February 21, 2014
Bielema said opponents of the rule change are "turning a blind eye to the fact," of injury risks.
— Troy Schulte (@TroySchulteADG) February 21, 2014
Was asked about perception that the change is from 'sour grapes' by coaches who don't hurry up. "Don't bother me in any way shape or form."
— Troy Schulte (@TroySchulteADG) February 21, 2014
To be clear,Bielema's "death certificate" comment regarding Cal player was in reference to him reportedly testing pos. for sickle cell trait
— Troy Schulte (@TroySchulteADG) February 21, 2014
If one of Bielema's players has that trait - he has "half a dozen" - he wants time to be able to get that player out of the game.
— Troy Schulte (@TroySchulteADG) February 21, 2014
You would think that a coach would be sensitive to how awful it must feel to lose one of your players. How heart-rending it must be to inform his family and loved ones. If that coach were a decent human being with a heart and soul, I hope you'd be right.
Brett Bielema is apparently neither. Shame on you, Mr. Bielema. How dare you use a tragedy to further your own selfish agenda? You owe Ted Agu's family an apology.
UPDATE: Here is link to the AP story regarding Bielema's quotes.
Bielema, speaking to the media before a meeting of the White County Razorback Club, said he expects the proposal to prohibit snapping the ball until at least 10 seconds run off the 40-second play clock to pass when the NCAA playing rules oversight panel votes on March 6.
He also reiterated his stance that the proposal is safety-based — saying he wants to be proactive and make a change before a fatal injury.
The former Wisconsin coach pointed to the recent death of California football player Ted Agu during a training run, saying the inability to substitute an injured player between plays could lead to injury or death.
"If one of those players is on the field for me, and I have no timeouts, I have no way to stop the game," Bielema said. "And he raises his hand to stop the game, and I can't do it. What am I supposed to do?
"What are we supposed to do when we have a player who tells us he's injured?