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Coach Hawkins - Right Call in Limiting Access to Practices

Idot Buff

Guest
Despite the insatiable apetite of loyal fans to devour every bit of information about the team, Hawk made the right move to limit practice access to fans and media. The margin for success in the Big 12 is razor thin. Considering the uphill battle that CU faces, Hawk needs every advantage to beat UT, OU, and Nebraska.

I loved the daily practice reports, but will gladly give that up if it gives Hawk what he needs to succeed. Having said that, he sure as hell better succeed! No excuses. 10 wins, baby!
 
Despite the insatiable apetite of loyal fans to devour every bit of information about the team, Hawk made the right move to limit practice access to fans and media. The margin for success in the Big 12 is razor thin. Considering the uphill battle that CU faces, Hawk needs every advantage to beat UT, OU, and Nebraska.

I loved the daily practice reports, but will gladly give that up if it gives Hawk what he needs to succeed. Having said that, he sure as hell better succeed! No excuses. 10 wins, baby!
Then why not do this from the very begining? And why call out the fans? This could've been handled better by the AD.
 
I don't care that he closed Practice, I do care that they at the athletic department think us "boarders" are some evil faction of the fan base. It's like I don't run a fan site for the buffs, its like some we are some unwanted stalkers.
 
Hawkins has every right to lock down his practice.

What I don't understand is why the Internet is the reason for doing so.

If Hawkins would have said, "the coaches and players want some privacy", that would be something I can respect.

But to blame cell phones and internet message boards is just not good PR.

The AD sooner or later will figure out how to leverage the internet and it's users. The bunker mentality and the propensity to paint the internet and it's users as the bad guy can only backfire.
 
Then why not do this from the very begining? And why call out the fans? This could've been handled better by the AD.

I don't care that he closed Practice, I do care that they at the athletic department think us "boarders" are some evil faction of the fan base. It's like I don't run a fan site for the buffs, its like some we are some unwanted stalkers.

I definately agree to both accords...but I'm not offended by it, since I've seen many other people on these boards call Coach Hawk and even some of our players worse names

Coach Hawk is just doing what he thinks is in the best interest of the football team....granted they could have handled it better, but it's not nearly a fiasco like the Cutler saga was

Besides....they were really only blasting SliderNCider and JJ...who really cares about them anyways :lol:
 
I definately agree to both accords...but I'm not offended by it, since I've seen many other people on these boards call Coach Hawk and even some of our players worse names
Neither am I really. I just think there's some juvenile hostility coming from the Ath Dept aimed at the internet. If Hawkins truly believed the internet hurts his program, then why does he have a Facebook and Twitter account?

I also don't buy the "Plati begged Hawkins to let the press in practice" line they dropped. There is a lot of misinformation going on, and most of it comes from the AD.
 
Neither am I really. I just think there's some juvenile hostility coming from the Ath Dept aimed at the internet. If Hawkins truly believed the internet hurts his program, then why does he have a Facebook and Twitter account?

I also don't buy the "Plati begged Hawkins to let the press in practice" line they dropped. There is a lot of misinformation going on, and most of it comes from the AD.
Again....who cares? Of course, I live thousands of miles from Boulder, so it is easy for me to say. But, it is about the wins.....take care of business this year, and I could care less about this crap.
 
Neither am I really. I just think there's some juvenile hostility coming from the Ath Dept aimed at the internet. If Hawkins truly believed the internet hurts his program, then why does he have a Facebook and Twitter account?

I also don't buy the "Plati begged Hawkins to let the press in practice" line they dropped. There is a lot of misinformation going on, and most of it comes from the AD.
yup. dead on.
 
Despite the insatiable apetite of loyal fans to devour every bit of information about the team, Hawk made the right move to limit practice access to fans and media. The margin for success in the Big 12 is razor thin. Considering the uphill battle that CU faces, Hawk needs every advantage to beat UT, OU, and Nebraska.

I loved the daily practice reports, but will gladly give that up if it gives Hawk what he needs to succeed. Having said that, he sure as hell better succeed! No excuses. 10 wins, baby!

Agreed.

If camera and camera phones were banned, but photos showed up anyway, and if reports about practices were harming the team or team morale, then Hawkins has to do what he has to do.

I read the practice reports and there would be three or four points of view - just enough to tell me that some of the reports couldn't be accurate. How do we know whether or not the scuttle butt on a forum was causing problems on the team? or that something said about a practice was something the coaches didn't want to get out?

Hawkins didn't say the FANS were the problem, he said somebody was.
Since it wasn't me, I didn't take it personally. Having open practices was great, but it was a rare thing in the Big 12 and it's over now. I don't hold it against hawkins. I want the buffs to have every chance to win, and maybe a little privacy and a few trick plays is going to help.
 
I don't care that he closed Practice, I do care that they at the athletic department think us "boarders" are some evil faction of the fan base. It's like I don't run a fan site for the buffs, its like some we are some unwanted stalkers.

Maybe Clark Evans is mad at us? :smile2:
 
"If I can't practice, I can't practice. It is as simple as that. It ain't about that at all. It's easy to sum it up if you're just talking about practice. We're sitting here, and I'm supposed to be the franchise player, and we're talking about practice. I mean listen, we're sitting here talking about practice, not a game, not a game, not a game, but we're talking about practice. Not the game that I go out there and die for and play every game last it's my last but we're talking about practice man. How silly is that?

Now I know that I'm supposed to lead by example and all that but I'm not shoving that aside like it don't mean anything. I know it's important, I honestly do but we're talking about practice. We're talking about practice man. We're talking about practice. We're talking about practice. We're not talking about the game. We're talking about practice. When you come to the arena, and you see me play, you've seen me play right, you've seen me give everything I've got, but we're talking about practice right now."
 
I don't care that he closed Practice, I do care that they at the athletic department think us "boarders" are some evil faction of the fan base. It's like I don't run a fan site for the buffs, its like some we are some unwanted stalkers.

:yeahthat:

I don't have a problem with the decision, I have a problem with laying the reason for it at the feet of some of their staunchest fans.

I sure haven't seen anything here that would justify this decision. Maybe there's been something posted elsewhere - Rivals, Scout, Netturds or AZ's site, for example. They did say that a few people ruined it for everybody... :huh:
 
Despite the insatiable apetite of loyal fans to devour every bit of information about the team, Hawk made the right move to limit practice access to fans and media. The margin for success in the Big 12 is razor thin. Considering the uphill battle that CU faces, Hawk needs every advantage to beat UT, OU, and Nebraska.

I loved the daily practice reports, but will gladly give that up if it gives Hawk what he needs to succeed. Having said that, he sure as hell better succeed! No excuses. 10 wins, baby!

Do you really think that video footage of spring practice will give any of these teams a leg up on CU? Me thinks that the footage of the CSU game and every game thereafter might be more interesting to NU and folks.

I think some posters (maybe on netbuffs, who knows) went off the deep end and pissed someone off. Generally speaking, people here have reasonably informed opinions and arguments and the occassional troll get's his head handed to him. I would think that if Dan actually read this stuff, he'd see that 99% of the posters here are fans, black and gold all the way and I have a hard time believing he would be critical.

I do think the current admin is a bit sensitive on this internet board stuff. CU is one of the most technically advanced U's in the country. The Ath Dept should be making money off of us. We crave info... We like to talk with other fans re: our team. If the AD ran a site like this, they could make the rules. No Video posts or links to You-Tube. Must use real names verified by a credit card... Inside scoops on "closed practices". Watch the plays thru Cody's helmet-cam... Sell advertising on the sidebars or whatever!

I got news for CU, the internet isn't going away. Make it your friend.
 
Do you really think that video footage of spring practice will give any of these teams a leg up on CU? Me thinks that the footage of the CSU game and every game thereafter might be more interesting to NU and folks.

I think some posters (maybe on netbuffs, who knows) went off the deep end and pissed someone off. Generally speaking, people here have reasonably informed opinions and arguments and the occassional troll get's his head handed to him. I would think that if Dan actually read this stuff, he'd see that 99% of the posters here are fans, black and gold all the way and I have a hard time believing he would be critical.

I do think the current admin is a bit sensitive on this internet board stuff. CU is one of the most technically advanced U's in the country. The Ath Dept should be making money off of us. We crave info... We like to talk with other fans re: our team. If the AD ran a site like this, they could make the rules. No Video posts or links to You-Tube. Must use real names verified by a credit card... Inside scoops on "closed practices". Watch the plays thru Cody's helmet-cam... Sell advertising on the sidebars or whatever!

I got news for CU, the internet isn't going away. Make it your friend.

1. The point isn't that the video footage is going to hurt the Buffs against the rammies...it's that there are signs everywhere saying you can't do it and if someone were to misuse that priveledge CU has every right to revoke it

2. I don't think it's legal by any NCAA manner for CU to make money off of a site that fed insider info....I believe Mike Leach or someone in Texas did this for awhile and got caught
 
1. The point isn't that the video footage is going to hurt the Buffs against the rammies...it's that there are signs everywhere saying you can't do it and if someone were to misuse that priveledge CU has every right to revoke it

2. I don't think it's legal by any NCAA manner for CU to make money off of a site that fed insider info....I believe Mike Leach or someone in Texas did this for awhile and got caught
Show me these pics that have surfaced. I haven't seen any this spring. I've been to the majority of the practices, and I haven't seen anyone that had to be told to put his cell away.
 
Show me these pics that have surfaced. I haven't seen any this spring. I've been to the majority of the practices, and I haven't seen anyone that had to be told to put his cell away.

I do not know that they are out there, but I haven't looked at all...my arguement was against that of saying any photos/videos would hurt the Buffs...honestly, I almost hope there is something just to validate this issue a little

And Slider did admit earlier that he got yelled at for taking his phone out
 
they can't take the heat, methinks.

we'll be waiting on those 10+ wins, zen master.

be the bow.
 
Here are some reports from the April 6 & 7 practices. Mostly April 7.
I picked two categories, qbs and kickers, to see how random posters, bloggers and free sites discussed (didn't include any premium articles).
Just two categories that got a lot of comments that could be compared, somewhat apples to apples.

There isn't a lot of consistency here. Some, but not much. Read for yourself:

Thin Air Sports April 6-
To no surprise, at this point in practices there is no clear cut leader to be named starter at the quarterback position. Ballenger, Hansen and Hawkins have all looked good at different times.
RalphieReport: after April 7 practice
If the competition for quarterback is open, I just don't see it right now. Ballenger seems to have gotten the boot back to third string and got very very few reps. Cody Hawkins got 90% of the reps with the first team on 7 on 7 drills, 11 on 11 drills and no-huddle. Hansen would get a tail end of the work with the starters and then would line up with the second team
Thin Air Sports: April 7 practice
Offensively, only Tyler Hansen and Cody Hawkins saw reps in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
InDenverTimes: April 7 practice
Mark Helfrich, CU’s offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach, told InDenverTimes that junior Cody Hawkins, the incumbent starter, and sophomore Tyler Hansen, who played in five 2008 games as a true freshman, have pushed ahead of sophomore Matt Ballenger.
Another board random poster:
For those conspiracy theorists, Hansen and Ballenger both got to work with the #1 Offense. During the 11 on 11's, the offense looked very sloppy. There were a couple dropped passes. Hansen couldn't find a receiver and didn't run right away, so that's a plus I suppose. None of the QB's looked great today IMO ...
Random board poster:
QB's - Cody and Tyler continue to get most of the snaps. Although most of the 11 on 11 were running plays there was some passing. The following stats are for the 11 on 11's not for any of the 7 on 7 or the passing drills.
Now kicking-

InDenverTimes: April 6 practice
... kicker Aric Goodman hit a handful of lengthy field goal attempts — one from 57 yards — to conclude the afternoon’s work . . . .
These reports show how subjective practice appears to different eyes. every one states a number with certainty, but none match up:

RalphieReport: April 7 practice
Special teams - Aric Goodman had to kick with a pretty good cross wind today. The six to eight I saw him kick, he probably made only three or four, with one getting blocked. He made his last 50+ yarder but the other kicks were shaky at best. I think the wind got to him a little bit. It was funny, a group of 10 players, coaches, whoever would yell different things at Goodman right when the ball was snapped
From Rivals random poster: April 7 practice
Goodman missed all but 1 of his 6 attempts.
Thin Air Sports: April 7 practice
Aric Goodman showed inconsistently in eight field goal attempts, converting on only 3 or 4. One was blocked by Jimmy Smith, and the others had enough distance, but were carried wide-left by the wind.
Kyle Ringo/Camera April 7 practice
Place-kicker Aric Goodman went 5-for-8 in field goal attempts near the end of practice. One was blocked by Jimmy Smith and the wind affected each of the kicks. ...
For one thing, if they are trying to work out the qb battle and work on the kicker's confidence, having every little thing dissected might have been a problem, or at least something they couldn't control. But, I suspect it was more the talking about plays and formations, etc. that started being a worry.
 
The completely absurd aspect of this is that the practices were open. Anyone could attend, including those intending to scout for other teams - they didn't need internet reports. If you are paranoid, why would you ever open practices to anyone? And why would media bother to attend if they can't report anything? Are you kidding me?

I loved coach Hawkins, but have to admit I've lost some respect for way this was handled. I now think what Hawkins means is that he loves fans to come, but they should keep they eyes covered, ears plugged, and when they leave, mouths shut.
 
here's the only thing i have to say: fsu, bama, ohio state, texas, florida, etc... have THOUSANDS of fans on rivals at any given time. CU is small time when it comes to the internet and the amount of blogs and forums those teams have. they sure seem to be struggling... i dont care about closing practice, if thats going to get us over the hump, great. dont take it out on the fans who crave information about the team because they LOVE the team and the school. i'll be at scrimmage saturday with all you scumbags.
 
According to todays Denver Post, Hawkins went to Bohn after yesterdays practice to request practice be closed because "people can't resist the temptation to post on the internet" including the use of cell phones and cameras. But here is the part that somewhat contradicts that statement. Hawkins said " Were probably more generous than any team in the Big 12 as far as gaining access is concerned"

He also said that CU's new strategies and innovations were being circulated on the internet. Also that this took place last year and that CU personnel asked visitors not to use phones & cameras. Hmmmm?

Well then, make one entrance for all of those who want to attend and confinscate the phones & cameras of those who won't abide by the rules.
 
Well then, make one entrance for all of those who want to attend and confinscate the phones & cameras of those who won't abide by the rules.


I'd rather the coaches and staff were doing their jobs and not monitoring the behavior of fans at practices.

Something happened to prompt the closures, we may not know the details, but there was an event, or events that convinced Hawkins it was not in the team's best interests. Many MANY teams have closed practices, now we are just one of them.
 
It's about following the rules. You could not attend a practice without seeing the signs that tell you cell phones are NOT to be used during practice.
Obviously some people don't think the rules pertain to them. I was on at practice this Tuesday and saw two people talking on their phones. All it takes is one douchebag not following the rules to ruin it for the rest of us.
The scrimmages are still open to the public (right now anyway's) so let's go and enjoy them.
 
here's the only thing i have to say: fsu, bama, ohio state, texas, florida, etc... have THOUSANDS of fans on rivals at any given time. CU is small time when it comes to the internet and the amount of blogs and forums those teams have. they sure seem to be struggling... i dont care about closing practice, if thats going to get us over the hump, great. dont take it out on the fans who crave information about the team because they LOVE the team and the school. i'll be at scrimmage saturday with all you scumbags.

Point taken. CU < tOSU, 'Bama, USC, ect.

But I'm not reading too much into Rivals numbers. Who needs Rivals for CU coverage when you have Allbuffs?
 
Show me these pics that have surfaced. I haven't seen any this spring. I've been to the majority of the practices, and I haven't seen anyone that had to be told to put his cell away.

Slider said he got yelled at for having his cell phone out.
 
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