Sockers Not Fined for Letting Conner Stand Behind Bench

Socker majority owner Bob Bell took a gamble Sunday night, and Monday afternoon it was announced that it had paid off.

Bell allowed yachtsman Dennis Conner--who owns a minority interest in the team--to stand behind the Socker bench during the second half of Sunday night’s game in which San Diego defeated New York, 6-2.

“I knew the game was on ESPN, so I thought I might take a chance on a fine,” Bell said. “I thought it would be good for publicity.”

Monday afternoon, Bill Kentling, the president of the Major Indoor Soccer League, agreed.

“I hardly think it affected the outcome of the game,” Kentling told the Associated Press. “I thought it was great that the Sockers’ fans had an opportunity to acknowledge Conner and I thought the league was honored to have him there.”

Conner was sitting with Bell in the owners’ box Sunday when he asked Bell if he could go down and talk with the team.

“It all happened too quickly,” Bell said. “I took him down there and then I went outside (the locker room). Then they (the team) came out and said Dennis was going to be the honorary coach for the second half. (Coach) Ron (Newman) didn’t mind, so I said it would be all right.

“It was during the second half that I realized, ‘Oh my goodness, Dennis is a part-owner of the team and him being down there behind the bench really is taboo. We’re going to get fined.’ ”

“The rule states only players, coaching personnel and medical personnel are allowed in the bench area,” Kentling said. “However, exceptions are allowed. Dennis Conner is an obvious celebrity.”