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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Bombers won't bar door at practices -- yet
Riders ban fans from run-throughs after Internet tell-all
Don Healy / postmedia news archives Corey Chamblin: 'some individuals... created a competitive disadvantage' (POSTMEDIA REGINA LEADER-POST)
WILL the Winnipeg Blue Bombers follow the Saskatchewan Roughriders' lead and ban football fans from attending practices this season?
That question came up after Riders head coach Corey Chamblin sent out a statement telling fans the team would close the gates for the second and third day of practice heading into games. It seems the Riders' coaching staff came across detailed discussions regarding Saskatchewan's plays and strategies on fan message boards and have concluded opponents could gain an upper hand through these online conversations.
From Chamblin's statement:
"It has become apparent that some individuals attending practice sessions have created a competitive disadvantage by posting intricate personnel and play schemes on message boards.
"The Saskatchewan Roughriders want to assure fans that their support is appreciated. However, in the team's best interest, Day 2 and Day 3 practices will remain closed until a solution is found that meets everyone's needs."
The new policy is scheduled to begin today.
Chamblin told the Regina Leader-Post Tuesday he doesn't want to close the doors to paying customers, but feels it's necessary to ensure fans won't keep Tweeting every nuance of the game plan during practice.
He added he knows "there are coaches on different teams who read those things (message boards) religiously and they make game plans off of them."
Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice said he's never taken the time to scheme using a fan board. But that's not to say he hasn't come across a similar situation.
"Your fans have to be very cautious as to what happens (on the field)," he said. "We had a mini-camp (in 2011) and a fan, probably with an iPhone, recorded every drill and put it on YouTube. Certainly you have to communicate to your fans that that's not what we want done.
"Love the enthusiasm; let's not put it on film."
Like most teams, the Bombers limit video at practices, only allowing the cameras to roll at designated times when the coaches are not installing the week's game plan.
Does LaPolice ever foresee the Bombers -- like the Riders, a community-owned operation -- taking the drastic step of closing practices to the fans.
"Not at this stage, not unless something alarming came up," he said.
NOTE: Bombers defensive linemen Kenny Mainor and Jason Vega missed some of practice Tuesday. Both are fine, LaPolice said. Defensive back Deon Beasley (hip) has been ruled out for Friday's game in B.C.
adam.wazny@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @wazoowazny
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 27, 2012 D3
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