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Tide hangs cloak Shula changes long-standing policy by closing Alabama practices, feeling it will help preparation 07/25/03 By THOMAS MURPHY Sports Reporter New Alabama football coach Mike Shula hinted broadly about it this summer and pulled the trigger on it Thursday: Crimson Tide practices will be closed this season. The day after wrapping up an in-town staff retreat, Shula issued the announcement that fans will not be allowed to attend practice and strict regulations will be placed on the media. Shula's closed-practice format represents a change for Alabama, which has typically kept its workouts open to reporters and the public. The first-year Alabama coach, who took over from Mike Price after the conclusion of spring drills, felt it was necessary for his first team to protect its schemes as much as possible before the season opener against South Florida on Aug. 30. "Without the advantage of spring practice, this fall camp will be a very critical part of our preparation for the upcoming season," Shula said in a release issued by the sports information department. "We need the full attention of our players and coaches." Dennis Franchione, who led Alabama to a 17-8 record the last two seasons, closed practices during the week of the 2001 Auburn game and reaped a huge benefit. The Tide installed a custom offensive package for quarterback Andrew Zow while shielding the injury status of Tyler Watts and surprised Auburn in a 31-7 victory at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Franchione closed practices again last season during Auburn week, but the Tigers logged a 17-7 upset at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama media relations director Larry White pointed out that several SEC teams, including Auburn, Florida and LSU, have closed practices of one variety or another. White said a more structured process will be in place for players and coaches to be available to the media. "The information (the fans) need will be as available as it has been in the past," White said. "There will be plenty of time for photographers to do what they need and plenty of time for reporters to talk to the players and coaches." Alabama players report on Aug. 4, and helmets-only practices begin the following day. The Crimson Tide's first full-pads practice is Aug. 9, with two-a-days opening the next day. In Alabama personnel news, linebacker signees Terrence Jones of Tuscaloosa County and DeMarcus Waldrop of Pinson Valley have each received verification that their grades and test results have been accepted by the NCAA Clearinghouse. Waldrop apparently had a mix- up in where his ACT score was sent, which his coach, Wayne Lee, said has since been cleared up. "He's all set and ready to go now," Lee said. Fullback LeRon McClain of Tuscaloosa County made his final attempt at the state exit exam on Tuesday and is expected to receive results of his testing next week. Meanwhile, outside linebacker Brooks Daniels has gone home to Jasper, Fla., reportedly to attend to personal business, during Alabama's second summer session. Daniels, a rising senior, posted 102 and 110 tackles the past two years to become the first player in school history with back-to-back 100-tackle seasons. Daniels ranks No. 13 on Alabama's career tackles chart with 226. ----------------------------------------------- I used to be schizophrenic, but we're OK now. ______________________________________________________ RollTideFan - The University of Alabama Athletics Discussion List "Welcome to RollTideFan! Wear a cup!" To join or leave the list or to make changes to your subscription visit http://listinfo.rolltidefan.net
