Kelly won't ban NFL scouts from Notre Dame practices
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said he won't ban NFL scouts from practices as a way of combating unscrupulous agents, adding that he would tackle the issue by educating his players.
"Security for your football team is very important, but I don't believe that banning the NFL scouts from your team is going to help with the agent problem," Kelly said Friday.
Alabama coach Nick Saban, who participated this week along with several other high-profile college coaches in a conference call with the NFL to discuss unscrupulous agents, said he has temporarily blocked access to Crimson Tide practices for NFL scouts.
Saban hinted earlier this summer that was a possibility because of the agent issue. He also said access would be reopened sometime after Aug. 25.
Saban later said the decision wasn't related to agents, but that he didn't think it was fair for his players to be evaluated during two-a-day practices in triple-digit temperatures.
The NCAA has been investigating alleged improper agent contact involving players at Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.
"We'll simply try to protect our kids and educate them on making good decisions," Kelly said. "Our practices will be open to NFL scouts."
Backup tight end Mike Ragone, who was hospitalized Wednesday night after experiencing a heat illness following practice, was back on the field Friday in shorts and a T-shirt but did not participate. A team doctor and trainer were able to treat Ragone and lower his body temperature before he was taken to the hospital for observation. He was released Thursday.
Kelly said the heat index Friday on the practice field reached 105 degrees.
The coach also said that center Dan Wenger and offensive tackle Matt Romine were shaken up during Friday morning's practice and had concussion symptoms. He said they would be evaluated and could return to practice Saturday morning.
He confirmed that backup defensive back E.J. Banks is still in school but no longer on the team for a reason he did not reveal. Kelly said Banks could be reinstated to the squad in a scout-team capacity.
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