In years past, the Vikings have been extremely open at training camp making all the players very accessible to fans. As a result, training camp draws in people by the thousands from as far away as the Dakotas. This year, however, the team has decided to close off training camp having more private practices and not allowing fans to stand by the fences and ask for autographs. Instead, the team will setup a table and have specific days, such as "Offensive Line Day" where fans can stand in line, in the heat, and get the autograph of someone they may not even be interested in. I really don't see what the big deal is - why can't the fans participate more? Is it really that much of a distraction to the players?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (vikingfan)</div><div class='quotemain'>I really don't see what the big deal is - why can't the fans participate more? Is it really that much of a distraction to the players?</div> I could say that this helps to confirm my theory that coaches running the WCO are control freaks. Though, Saban completely alienated the media and minimized fan access. So, it could be surmised that new coaches need to eliminate distractions.
By the way the past few years have gone I don't think the Vikings want their fans seeing what their players are up to. I think training camp is a great way for the fans to get up close and see the guys. One of the greatest traditions is the Packer players taking a kids bike to practice. What a better way to hook these kids on the team. I like Childress though and find it hard to argue his methods
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Vikings_4life)</div><div class='quotemain'>If they win 12-14 games, I wont care...</div> They will win 12-14 games. It may take 3-4 years, but they will do it
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BearsFan1)</div><div class='quotemain'>They will win 12-14 games. It may take 3-4 years, but they will do it</div> lmao, I know that it probably sucks for the fans in the area who go to their practices, but they don't want to give them any more distractions. I think that they should have events for the fans and the players to interact, but I don't blame them for closing off the practices.
