Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis expounded on a variety of topics during a visit to Wheaton for an alumni event Wednesday. Here's what he had to say:
On sophomore center Bill Flavin, a walk-on and Benet graduate:
"When guys come out as a walk-on here, we don't just let them out on the team. They go through a testing program so when we put them out there ... the last thing I want to do is put somebody out there that can get hurt while they're out there. I think that would be a little hypocritical on my part to do that. So he got through that program without any problems, is doing well in school, doesn't get in any trouble. And when a kid comes out and walks on for us, they have a significant role in practice just like everyone else does. Now, their significant role might be showing the other team's offense, but it's still a significant role."
On his upcoming trip to the Middle East as part of the NCAA Football Coaches Tour through Armed Forces Entertainment:
"(I've) never been to the Middle East. I'm looking forward to it. I already got my shots. You have to take typhoid shots; you have to get all these immunizations before you go. I haven't had a passport since I was a sophomore in high school, so I had to go through that process, too, so I'm well-prepared."
On potential dangers of going to the Middle East:
"(I'm) not too (worried), but you figure you're going with the military so security has to be a major deal. They said to be patient when you go through customs and things like that. When they check your stuff, just roll with the punches. But I'm really looking forward to (the tour). In just a small way you're paying these guys back for what they do for us. But anyone who's asked to do this I'm sure would jump on this opportunity."
On his friendship with President Bush:
"He's a guy that you could see yourself sitting around with, just watching a ballgame, just talking about life in general. Big sports fan. College football and pro baseball are his two passions. He's a big UT fan, (and is) close with (Texas coach) Mack Brown. I just think he's a good guy."
On whether a Texas-Notre Dame series would be in the works:
"You're talking to the wrong person. I've got enough problems worrying about playing the games let alone worrying about scheduling them. I stay out of that stuff."
On whether college football should have a playoff system:
"I'm not really sure what the stand of Notre Dame is on plus-one or whatever. I'm not really sure what their stand is, but I come from a background of playoffs, so for me I've always been a fan of playoffs. The problem with playoffs, whether it's a four-team playoff, six-team playoff, eight-team playoff, there's always going to be an argument about the last two teams. So if there's a four-team playoff, instead of it being about who's second or who's third, it'll be about who's fourth and who's fifth. So no matter how many teams you put in there, because college football can be so subjective, there's always going to be an issue of that last team who ends up getting in. no matter where it is."
