WATCH: P.J. Fleck shows soft side when talking about two players missing camp for family reasons
Coaches put a lot of emphasis on fall camp. It’s the month-long grind that allows players to get in shape and prepare for the upcoming season. Unless there’s an injury, players are expected to participate at full speed each and every day.
But, for Minnesota and head coach P.J. Fleck, there are exceptions to the rule. That’s especially true when it comes to family.
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Recently, two Golden Gophers missed practice during camp. Rashod Bateman attended a family funeral and Seth Green was at a summer wedding. When talking about the two missing some time in Minneapolis, Fleck showed his softer side.
“I’ve missed a lot of things in my life,” Fleck said. “I don’t want players to miss things.”
Below is the video, posted by Nadine Babu of GopherHole.com:
Rashod Bateman missed practice because there was a death in his family and Seth Green missed for a wedding. Love this ->
Fleck: I’ve missed a lot of things in my life, and I don’t want players to miss things. #Gophers pic.twitter.com/KpfhFT8xLz
— Nadine Babu (@NadineBabu) August 10, 2019
Fleck has often said he wants his players and coaches to spend time with their families, even during the season when it seems like time is so limited. There’s not many coaches who would that kind of attitude about players missing camp.
It’s just a reminder that there’s so much more to life than just football.