quote:
Having made strides toward his goal of "manufacturing" depth, Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione last week took his most serious stab to date of "manufacturing" enthusiasm. Considering that enthusiasm can sometimes make predicted outcomes flip-flop, Jamaar Taylor may come to realize that his week off – his two weeks off, actually – were well spent.
The details aren't a topic for public discussion at A&M. But before playing Virginia Tech last week, it was decided that Taylor, the Aggies' best receiver last season, had grown a bit too fond of the bye week that followed A&M's slim victory over Utah on Sept. 6. So when the team soared off to Blacksburg to play the Hokies and soak up a national TV spot, the Aggies said "bye" to Taylor.
There had been the issue of a mild leg injury, for which Taylor prescribed a week away from practice as the perfect cure. That prompted Franchione to come up with a cure of his own. When the Aggies senior reported himself healthy four days before kickoff, his coach told him he'd lost his spot in the huddle, even his seat on the plane.
I agree with what Coach Fran did in sending a message not just to Taylor, but to the rest of the team. It is also telling, however, about Taylor.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dallas/sports/columnists/acarter/stories/092603dnspocarter.5d30d.html
