Notes: Reacting to Dolphins' saga, Rodriguez doesn't allow hazing
TUCSON, Ariz. -- With the sports world talking about the Miami Dolphins' Richie Icognito and Jonathan Martin and their texts-message exchanges and alleged verbal assaults, Rodriguez was asked if he ever had that type of problem and what he does to combat problems in the locker room.
"I think they tease but we make it clear in our first team meeting that we don’t allow any hazing," Rodriguez said. "Some people have a freshman initiation, but I don’t allow any of that. I don’t believe in hazing period. The only thing I require freshmen to do is enter our annual talent show, which half the upperclassmen participate in, too.
"It’s just a bunch of skits poking fun at coaches and some of the players. Some of them sing, dance, and show off their talents but that’s the only thing we require them to do. Anything else, even a rumor of a freshman getting hazed, will have a price to pay. Our guys are really good anyways. They look after the young guys as soon as they get here."
What? Not against Us
With UCLA up 14-3 and pinned deep on its side of the field, the Bruins attempted a fake punt. It didn't work after a penalty (too many men downfield), giving Arizona the ball on the Bruins' 25-yard line. Four plays later, the Wildcats scored to make it 14-10. Arizona defensive back Tra'Mayne Bondurant said he felt the defense was disrespected on the attempt.
"You always feel disrespected, especially when they are playing at your house," he said of the fake attempt. "We take it as disrespect … anything they did that night, trying to get an advantage. They weren't letting us get our subs in and then tried to go for it. … We are happy they didn’t get the play because we got a chance to bounce back and move forward from that play.”
Injury Update
Senior linebacker Jake Fischer returned to the lineup Saturday after missing the previous week with knee problems. Earlier in the season he had an ankle injury but played. What's his status?
“I’m as good as I’m going to be for the rest of the year," he said Monday. "I’m just ready to move forward."
Moody Blues
Rodriguez on Saturday night said he'd be sick and the team would be sick once they reviewed the game tape from its 31-26 loss to UCLA. That ended up begin the case.
"My mood was terrible but after 24 hours we have to move on," Rodriguez said of Sunday's meetings and light practice. "The players are more resilient and bounce back quicker than coaches. We played pretty hard but there were a few times where we didn’t execute or gave up opportunities. As a staff, we have to try and help them."
