Brian Kelly discusses need for LSU to avoid distractions from 'crazies' online
In the modern paradigm of sports, athletes are more accessible than ever — especially because of social media. And LSU head coach Brian Kelly is more than happy to take on the role of keeping his players and fellow coaches out of their phones.
Speaking about his role in keeping the collective focus of his team pointed in the right direction, Kelly admitted it’s only natural for players and others to be hearing and reading outside voices. But giving weight to the uninformed and the “crazies,” as Kelly referred to them, is a losing game.
“I think these guys understand that there are natural distractions out there and most of them are through social media and what is written. And it’s not just from the media, it’s from the crazies that are on Twitter and things of that nature that are uninformed. So you just have to eliminate these distractions during the season and focus on what you can control. And I think I’ve gotta do a pretty good job of that,” Kelly said on the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday.
And Kelly, who himself is not shy to crack a joke with reporters, had a quip at the ready when asked about media and outside noise becoming a distraction.
“Oh I think it’s a great idea to stay away from all media,” Kelly said, pausing to laugh. “You set me up for it, Jacques. It was a curveball that I had to hit out of the park.”
Kelly also offered a critical injury update on Wednesday
As LSU prepares for its annual rivalry game with Florida, quarterback Jayden Daniels is working his way back through concussion protocols following a hard hit against Alabama.
But he appears to be on track to potentially play in the game, barring setbacks.
“He worked out this morning and it appears as though that workout went well, which is the last stage before he’s cleared for non-contact practice,” coach Kelly said Wednesday. “So we’re expecting him to practice today. If all things go well through practice today then he’ll be cleared for contact on Thursday.”
Jayden Daniels went through a film study and ‘was just part of the practice itself,’ according to Kelly. He did not practice himself.
The goal is to get him back in non-contact today, then hopefully be cleared for contact on Thursday. That would, in theory, give him enough time to potentially play against Florida.
“I believe that our medical people put him in what is called our concussion protocol,” Kelly explained. “I don’t know what the specifics are, but it certainly triggered our protocol for concussions. I don’t know what the medical bar is for that, but I can tell you this, that he has moved through these stages to the point where as I mentioned where he worked out this morning, ran 20 miles an hour and today will be able to practice in a non-contact fashion. So if he goes through today’s practice then we’ll decide what’s his preparation level compared to (Garrett) Nussmeier‘s preparation level and make a decision on who would start on Saturday.”