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LSU
As videos displaying the nations police issues flood the Internet each day, no name rings louder to country than Alton Sterling, and the Baton Rouge Police Department. Last Week, a video emerged of a young man being fatally shot by BRPD, in an act that can been seen by most as heinous. He left behind a wife and five children.
This tragedy hit closest to home for LSU, and everyone at media day was anxious to see what head coach Les Miles had to say, "The tragic events in the last weeks have certainly taken the national spotlight, those areas, including Baton Rouge," Miles said as he addressed the crowd at media day. "We've had several meetings. We met with the entire staff, and it was not about our roles as coaches or staff, but more or less who we were as people, and I wanted to listen. And I felt like it improved our communications."
(h/t NOLA.com)
His powerful words will set the tone for his team as they process their emotions for this season and go on to battle for the top spot in the SEC, a title that many believe they are more than capable of taking.
He expressed that they will be getting more use out their offense, shocking defenses across the country not only with their dominant run game, but with the assistance of receivers Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural as well.
Ole Miss
Hugh Freeze knew he was going to feel like it was the Fourth of July again when stepped out to the podium on day four, the cooks were out and everyone was ready to grill the Ole Miss head coach about the future of the program.
In recent years, an investigation has surrounded the program regarding some boosters who may have been going above and beyond to assist with players and the programs recruiting. Even if that meant going way passed what the NCAA has regulated.
Questions surrounding the programs got heated with SEC Network's Paul Finebaum started asking more in depth about the programs punishment, it was easy to see Freeze tighten up with discomfort over the thought of harsh punishment.
Paul Finebaum and Hugh Freeze having a discussion. We overheard Freeze critiquing @finebaum's questions. @WVTM13 pic.twitter.com/mrGPO0VQoj
— Tom Annino (@tomannino) July 14, 2016
The press conference would remain awkward for the remainder of his time on stage. The two were seen going over the questions that Finebaum had asked.
South Carolina
For the South Carolina Gamecocks, the questions were all about their new head coach Will Muschamp. The former head coach of the Florida Gators let everyone know that he was not looking to take the place of Steve Spurrier, nor could he ever.
The coach instead discussed the quarterback situation at USC, letting the press in on the QB battle between Perry Orth and Brandon McIlwain. He made it clear that those two are the front-runners for the job this coming fall.
He also briefly spoke about the one game suspension that offensive lineman Christian Pellage who was recently arrested for a DUI.
And although the team is missing their beloved former head coach, they are optimistic about the new season even if they aren't anyone's pick to be the favorite.