Mackovic's apology leaves UA players demanding change, but unsure if it will happen

Just hours after head coach John Mackovic held a press conference to personally apologize for his conduct toward his players, reactions were mixed from the team as it left practice last night.

Mackovic's public apology to his players came the day after more than 40 members of the team met with President Pete Likins to air their complaints about the coach. [Read article]

The coach: somebody players not only look up to, but respect.

The problem now is that the coach at Arizona will not be able to command ÷ not when he leads his players on the field in at least two more football games this season, and not next season, if UA athletic director Jim Livengood holds true to his word.

Right now, there are more than 40 players on the Wildcat football team who don't consider their coach a leader and on Tuesday night tried to do something to get him to change. [Read article]

After finishing last season with a 1-10 record, the only positive thing for the California Bears was that they at least got the one win.

The furthest thing from the team's mind was a bowl berth and after the NCAA infractions committee banned the Bears from bowl eligibility in 2002, playing after the regular season ended was out of the question.

Along comes the 2002 season.

The Bears (6-4, 3-3) opened up the season with a 70-22 win over Baylor and now find themselves one win away from becoming bowl eligible, and hope that win comes Saturday when they host Arizona. [Read article]

Mustafa Shakur signed with Arizona for one reason ÷ to become another talented point guard in the long line of stars under head coach Lute Olson.

Yesterday, Arizona got the official letter-of-intent from the nation's No. 1 point guard recruit during the first day of the November early signing period.

Arizona also received letters-of-intent from forward Ndudi Ebi and center Kirk Walters. [Read article]

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a complete transcript of head coach John Mackovic's remarks at yesterday's press conference.

Last night, a contingent of team members met with President Peter Likins to discuss my leadership with our football program. The meeting of the team members and the president was without my knowledge. Subsequent to that meeting, President Likins called athletics director Jim Livengood to apprise him of the remarks in the meeting. [Read article]

Head football coach John Mackovic was called out by a majority of his team after he made inappropriate remarks to several players. Many thought Mackovie would resign in a press confrence yesterday, but rather he apologized for his actions. The Wildcat asked students, "Should Mackovic still be Arizona's football coach?"

It's not right for any coach to say what he did. He had his reasons and deserves another chance. I don't think he should get fired but something needs to be done. [Read article]

Arizona at California
Arizona State at No. 8 USC
Washington at No. 23 Oregon
No. 4 Texas at Texas Tech

The Arizona women's basketball team inked a recruit on national signing day.

Rachael Schein, from Centennial High School in Las Vegas, Nev., sent in her letter today, much to the pleasure of head coach Joan Bonvicini.

"She is a real good player, tough as nails," Bonvicini said. "The best way I can characterize her game is intense and tough. I saw her for the first time in April in Phoenix. I was very impressed with her fundamentals. From that point on, I followed her everywhere." [Read article]

We want to hear what you think about yesterday's press conference.

Email us at: sports@wildcat.arizona.edu