Answers, Part XV

Does Mrs. Dohn have a professional career and if so what does she do?
She has two of them, being an awesome mom to two kids (and an understanding wife) and working at the job where she gets paid. However, I don't answer personal questions about others, so I will leave it at that.

Knowing what you know, would you want your sons to become professional athletes?
If that is what they chose and were good enough, yes. Not all professional athletes are bad guys. Most are good guys.

Even though he's an offensive guy, does Neuheisel have any preferred defensive strategy? Is he looking for a DC who agrees with that philosophy?
Not that I'm aware of. I think he just wants someone who will do a good job.

There's long been whispers that Wooden turned a blind eye to serious NCAA violations, like perks for the players from boosters. Do you think this story has been swept under the rug for the past 20 years? Do you believe it? Have you ever considered investigating it?
I've heard those, as has many others, but I don't know what I believe. I haven't investigated it because, truth be told, as a beat reporter I don't have time to do a CSI on something from so long ago.

Would Neuheisel rather have an up-and-coming genius DC who would definitely leave in 2-3 years or a good but not great one who would definitely be available to stay 10 or so seasons?
I don't know. He wants one who will stop the other team from scoring.

Where would this team be without Collison?
Still playing in Westwood on the UCLA campus. My guess is the Bruins would have maybe one more loss than they do know. One thing about having no seniors is it makes the freshmen grow up much quicker.

Does it send shivers down your spine to hear 12,000 people on their feet belting out an 8-clap?
Well, it only happens once or twice a year in hoops (since most folks at Pauley either don't use their tickets or don't bother cheering much) and I am too far removed to hear it at football games.

You tend to paint Howland as an obsessive compulsive, no fun, worry wart, grump--even casting him as villain in a Bond movie starring UCLA people. Yet he consistently makes a good impression to bring in top recruits, then get players to "buy in" to his style. What gives?
Almost any good coach is an obsessive-compulsive with quirks. It is not an insult. As for the villain, I thought that was funny. Howland is totally different in social settings, and outside of the season. I ran into him at a mall on Christmas Eve and had my two kids with me (who he has met) and he was happy and jovial, and making googly faces with my kids. As far as getting kids to "buy in,'' and in getting good recruits, he makes players better and gets them to the NBA. That is what kids care the most about.

Who will do kickoffs if Rothstein isn't around anymore?
My early leader is Kai Forbath, but I think it will be an open competition.