It remains to be seen whether USC coach Lane Kiffin will discipline Stanley Havili for fighting and injuring teammate T.J. Bryant. But no matter what, Havili’s new position coach will support him.
Kennedy Pola said he would act “like a parent” toward Havili in light of the altercation, which resulted in Bryant requiring surgery to his cheekbone that will keep him out 3-4 weeks.
“You’re always going to make sure you’re there to support them and then (that they) learn from those experiences,” Pola said of how he handles situations like this one.
“I’m not going to throw the baby out with the bath water. Hopefully they’ll make the right decision next time something like that happens.”
This isn’t the first time Pola has had to deal with a player who let his emotions get the best of him. He coached former Oregon tailback — and noted pugilist — LeGarrette Blount during the Tennessee Titans’ offseason workouts earlier this year.
“When he showed up at Tennessee,” Pola said, “all I could say was. ‘I’m here for you. I’m here 24/7.’ ”
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