Mike Sherman Lights Into Texas A&M Players Following Practice Scuffle

During Friday's spring practice, tempers flared, and helmets went flying when Texas A&M senior defensive Michael Bennett tangled with some offensive linemen. It is certainly not uncommon for small tussles to breakout during a football practice, especially among linemen who battle it out play after play. What's a bit unusual in this case, however, was new head coach Mike Sherman's strong reaction to what was actually the second fight of the day.

"We don't need that bull crap..."

As the Aggie players ran 50-yard sprints up and down the field, Sherman told them that intrasquad fights wouldn't be tolerated.

"We've got soft players," he said. "If you want to be average, then transfer."

It sounds like Sherman is really attempting to balance instilling discipline in his troops, while at the same time questioning their manhood. That seems like a really difficult proposition. I was also immediately reminded of my own time spent in youth football. The punishment our coach handed down for fighting with a teammate was five laps around the field while holding the hand of the player you had scuffled with. I can't remember if that increased discipline or team unity, but in this case fans in College Station seem to trust Sherman's leadership.

"I like what I'm seeing," said one fan. "I know who is running this program."

Yeah, and this time you didn't even have to subscribe to an ultra-secret newsletter to find that out.