Should we be giddy that tempers flared during LSU football practice?
By John Fye
LSU football was back on the field Monday for their fourth practice of fall camp. Unfortunately, chaos ensued as players scuffled and Brian Kelly raged.
Tempers flared in Death Valley during this morning’s LSU football practice. According to Matthew Brune, offensive tackles Charles Turner, and defensive tackle Maason Smith got heated during OL vs. DL drills. It is not unusual for players to get fiery during one-on-one competition, but the incident set the tone of the day.
Indeed, the Baton Rouge brawling did not end there.
Receivers Malik Nabers and Kyren Lacey tangled with linebacker Harold Perkins and cornerback Denver Harris during an 11-on-11 period. Multiple players intervened as punches were thrown and bodies hit the ground. Unfortunately, the fisticuffs occurred during a session open to the media.
Brune commented that Nabers and Lacey were ejected from practice. As such, we assume coaches identified the duo as the incident’s antagonists. However, media members also noted that Perkins remained on the sideline for the rest of practice.
LSU football head coach Brian Kelly was understandably angry with his team. Geaux247 overheard part of his post-rumble address to players.
“We have to be able to maintain our emotions while staying aggressive,” Kelly stated. “It’s up to you all to figure that out, it’s not something that the staff can do for you. Respect your brother out here always.”
Forgive me for getting giddy over the news that LSU’s practice field resembled a backyard brawl. I think such a dynamic indicates the heightened emotion and competition at the Tigers’ fall camp. The players are hungry, and, as the saying goes, iron sharpens iron.
Conversely, I must agree with Coach Kelly. Competition and flared tempers are a good thing to an extent. LSU football players must maintain their composure and know when to walk away. The offseason is too short, and the Tigers cannot afford non-stop scuffles derailing practices.
Moreover, the last thing LSU fans need is star players like Perkins to sustain injury via friendly fire.
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After a brief cool-off period, I hope the players will come together and work out their beef. We need the intensity directed toward opponents, but not if such jeopardizes team discipline.