Crewcut Charlie Is Out of Control

The gang at the South Bend Tribune never struck us as a threat to Notre Dame coach Crewcut Charlie Weis, but given the recent developments in South Bend, it's clear the big guy's aim is to once again intimidate reporters. A recent four-part series examined Notre Dame's recruiting culture and asked whether the Fighting Irish could "maintain principles and athletic dominance." What might have sparked the series was the hoopla surrounding California prep quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who arrived at the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend in a stretch white Hummer limo and police escort, then announced he planned to attend Notre Dame. Team officials didn't appreciate the suggestion that Notre Dame's culture had changed because of the Clausen's flashy news conference, and Crewcut sent word through a team lackey that he and his staff would no longer take questions from the Tribune's Jeff Carroll and Bob Wieneke. The media freeze ended Tuesday, but reporters were banding together and chronicling Crewcut's latest bully tactics. Wrote columnist Al Hamnik of the Times of Northwest Indiana: "It's Charlie's way, or the closest you'll get to Irish football is the car radio." ... Thanks to the Midwest Correspondent.