Mack Brown closes camp to public

EagleD · August 13, 2005

08/12/2005

Longhorns close practices

AUSTIN, Texas -- As a result of concerns over student and family privacy issues, Longhorn coach Mack Brown has closed all but one of Texas' remaining preseason practices. Closed practices will take effect on Saturday, Aug. 13. The exception will be Fan Appreciation Day presented by Kia on Saturday, Aug. 20, which will kickoff with a 9 a.m. scrimmage in Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

"A parent should never have to read on the Internet or hear through the media that their son has been hurt before we can even get off of the practice field and call them," Brown said. "It's our responsibility to protect the privacy of our student-athletes with regard to injuries. It's just not right for a report to be posted immediately regarding an injury before we even have the chance to determine the extent of it."

Brown said the Longhorn training staff will continue to provide accurate injury information once it's available.

"We appreciate our fans and this is not something we have wanted to do, but I feel it's our responsibility to our kids and their families," Brown said.

Longhorn football practices during the season have been closed for several years. Friday's workout was open to fans.

bflan · August 14, 2005

A little surprised no one has responded to this post....but this is going to start happening more and more, especially at big name schools. With fans wanting info, and some paying premiums for it, the quick spread of news will force the hands of programs who have to protect the privacy of their students by law.

Cerebus · August 14, 2005

A little surprised no one has responded to this post....but this is going to start happening more and more, especially at big name schools. With fans wanting info, and some paying premiums for it, the quick spread of news will force the hands of programs who have to protect the privacy of their students by law.
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From what I heard, a fan took a picture with a cell phone, emailed to his buddy, and the news and the photo where posted on a message board before the player had been walked off the field.

Most coaches don't want anyone at thier practices, and most athletic departments understand controlling access to team info is a big part of how they make money. I think privacy concerns are an issue, but will increasingly be used as an excuse to control the above mentioned topics.