2008 Woodie Awards
Pelini's discipline regimen shapes up players
Jonathan Crowl
Issue date: 4/17/08 Section: Sports
Matt Slauson's laugh as he shakes his head and steps back says everything.
"You don't want to know," he warns.
The senior offensive lineman doesn't know where to begin with the way things have changed under Coach Bo Pelini - and he's not talking about practice.
He's talking about class, Friday nights, how he spends his free time, how he approaches his day and what he can expect if he breaks from the routine.
That's because Pelini isn't one to take things lightly or hand out warnings. He made that known in his first meeting with players, and it has resonated throughout the roster.
Early on, Slauson says, there were some stubborn ones - players who didn't like the idea of coaches checking on them in class, or resented being told where they could or could not go on the weekend.
That changed quickly, though. No one's dissenting now.
"I tell you what, we're all going to class everyday," Slauson says.
Much has been made of Pelini's full-throttle approach to discipline and player conduct, and the changes have had a demonstrative effect on players. Pelini has sent his assistants to classrooms and taken to 'O' Street himself to ensure the enforcement and adherence to his policies.
And as strict as the circumstances sound, they're worse than most fans think. A seriousness sweeps over Lydon Murtha, seemingly inciting guilt at the mere suggestion that one of Pelini's rules not be followed.
"There are set policies," Murtha says. "If you don't follow them, there's no warnings - you're gone."
Pelini has had plenty of disciplinary issues to deal with in his short time at Nebraska. A house party led to two former and three current Cornhuskers cited by police. This came just after would-be senior Andy Christensen was arrested on a felony sexual assault charge, prompting Pelini to suspend the lineman indefinitely.
When rosters were released at the start of spring practice, Christensen's name was not listed.
"You don't want to know," he warns.
The senior offensive lineman doesn't know where to begin with the way things have changed under Coach Bo Pelini - and he's not talking about practice.
He's talking about class, Friday nights, how he spends his free time, how he approaches his day and what he can expect if he breaks from the routine.
That's because Pelini isn't one to take things lightly or hand out warnings. He made that known in his first meeting with players, and it has resonated throughout the roster.
Early on, Slauson says, there were some stubborn ones - players who didn't like the idea of coaches checking on them in class, or resented being told where they could or could not go on the weekend.
That changed quickly, though. No one's dissenting now.
"I tell you what, we're all going to class everyday," Slauson says.
Much has been made of Pelini's full-throttle approach to discipline and player conduct, and the changes have had a demonstrative effect on players. Pelini has sent his assistants to classrooms and taken to 'O' Street himself to ensure the enforcement and adherence to his policies.
And as strict as the circumstances sound, they're worse than most fans think. A seriousness sweeps over Lydon Murtha, seemingly inciting guilt at the mere suggestion that one of Pelini's rules not be followed.
"There are set policies," Murtha says. "If you don't follow them, there's no warnings - you're gone."
Pelini has had plenty of disciplinary issues to deal with in his short time at Nebraska. A house party led to two former and three current Cornhuskers cited by police. This came just after would-be senior Andy Christensen was arrested on a felony sexual assault charge, prompting Pelini to suspend the lineman indefinitely.
When rosters were released at the start of spring practice, Christensen's name was not listed.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 7
Bryan
posted 4/17/08 @ 10:51 AM CST
Didn't take long for the DN to back down. My parents always taught me to think before I speak. I hope in the future that the DN considers that code of conduct before publishing an article. (Continued…)
Corbin
posted 4/17/08 @ 10:51 AM CST
Good article. Slauson's quote regarding the editorial represents probably about 95% of the opinions regarding the subject. It's incredibly comedic that the editorial staff chose to run Monday's editorial (possibly) knowing that a good story addressing the very issue they had contention with was coming out later in the week. (Continued…)
Brian
posted 4/17/08 @ 12:25 PM CST
My confidence in Pelini is growing! Let's see a great season!
Ex-Servicemember
posted 4/17/08 @ 12:54 PM CST
Gasp! Are you saying that the players actually have to go to class EVERY DAY, not let their drinking get out of hand, keep their grades up and refrain from beating women or getting in trouble with the cops?! Jeez, what kind of Draconian dictator IS Coach Pelini?
I'm being sarcastic, of course. (Continued…)
Todd
posted 4/17/08 @ 1:51 PM CST
Nice to know there is at least one responsible writer at the DN.
Brett
posted 4/17/08 @ 4:36 PM CST
Too bad the editorial staff didn't do their research. If there is any justice, they all get "F"'s for the Semester...
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