State troopers at the WFU-NC State game

Susan was AMAZED to learn that at Saturday's game that state troopers are assigned to escort the football coaches of many state universities to both home and away games. A little research on line produced the following account from someone who has provided this service, and a link to a video that shows even state troopers sometimes are less than professional. Here's the quote: Well, being a State Trooper, I know the guys that are on the football detail. Their jurisdiction is limited....They can handcuff someone, should someone attack [the coach], and the home state jurisdiction will effect the arrest. The football detail is there to protect the coach, not make arrests. They will do what is necessary to ensure the safety of the coach, and that includes subduing someone until the local jurisdiction gets there. Here's the link, which was the subject of a fair amount of discussion in the blogosphere, especially in corners that Susan rarely visits (for example, forums for bass fishermen). Georgia State Troopers Celebrate as Steve Spurrier Loses There is, however, a hidden bit of U. S. history here. One of the first college coaches - maybe the very first - to have such an escort was Bear Bryant, who coached the Alabama Crimson Tide from 1958 through 1982. He needed the troopers after the 'bama administrators finally gave in to his pleas to allow him to integrate his team. Which didn't happen until 1971.