Bob Stoops: Gambling, exploitation of hurt players are reasons against discussing injuries
Scott’s comments came after one USC beat reporter was banned from practices for writing about an injury, and Washington announced a new policy against discussing player injuries,
Coach Bob Stoops was asked Wednesday for his thoughts on the idea of a conference injury reporting policy.
“I don’t mind it if everyone wants to do it,” Stoops said, before expanding on the reasons he is hesitant to disclose player injuries.
“It’s all about gambling. … NFL? Have at it. Go to Vegas, bet on them all, whatever. But gambling is the issue, and gambling becomes the issue when Joe Shmoe down there loses a big chunk of change on the last play of the game, when we have our (third team) in, getting them some snaps, and all of the sudden we don’t cover the spread.
“Now, it makes them more angry. It changes people. Or you’ve got your young guy that’s playing ball for you that drops a touchdown pass that would’ve changed the bet. He’s playing for his college team, he’s 20 years old, and now he gets all this venom.
“It just feeds it. And I don’t believe in that. I say to heck with them.”
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