Bodyguards? Why?

It seems almost all college football coaches have security around them on the sidelines, whether it be state troopers, sheriffs or some other law enforcement personnel.

I do not understand this. These coaches are surrounded by 60 or 70 young, muscular men, many of whom weigh over 300 pounds. What could a middle-aged, sometimes slightly portly officer do that these young studs could not do?

I guess you could make the argument that they have firearms that could add to the security. I do not agree with this argument because in the case of Oregon and LSU teams, probably most of the players have firearms also. This is what I thought until someone reminded me that in most states felons are not permitted to have firearms so that would drastically reduce the carrying of firearms on the Oregon and LSU sidelines. In these cases it would probably be a good idea to have armed security present since most of their players cannot legally carry firearms. Perhaps those schools should have parole officers as security on the sidelines so they could protect the coaches and also keep check on their clients.

Ron Garrett

Spokane