When NFL owners passed a rule compeling teams to participate in the HBO/NFL Films television series "Hard Knocks," you almost could hear the sound of coaches' heads exploding.
Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians verbalized Tuesday what most coaches probably think about the prospect of being forced to open up their facilities to camera crews.
"I think it's a total distraction, and I think it's an embarrassment to players," Arians told SiriusXM NFL Radio. "I think when players are released, some of the things that are said between coaches and players are too personal, and nobody else's business."
When asked if he'd fight "tooth and nail" against being forced to participate, Arians responded: "All the way. All the way."
It's not a surprise to hear a coach reject the idea of allowing intimate details of his training camp to be broadcast on national TV.
The reasons coaches don't like the show are exactly what make it so intriguing. The opportunities to learn about young players, witness locker room interactions and eavesdrop on meeting room exchanges make "Hard Knocks" must-see television. The cheerleader interstitials and Oklahoma drills don't hurt, either.
The first time a team is compelled to participate, one of the most intriguing storylines will be how the coach handles the intrusion. If Arians' response is any indication, we can expect a lot of kicking and screaming.
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