Players Don’t Have Unlimited License

The behavior of players is a concern in Las Vegas, especially because UCLA does not have a permanent coach on hand to enforce rules. The Bruins did not have a curfew until tonight, the theory being that players can get their fill of the bright lights and taper off the reveling in time for the game.

And they must report to practice bright-eyed at 9 a.m. each day.

Eight New Mexico players, however, found themselves in serious trouble before leaving Albuquerque.

Fake Oklahoma driver’s licenses for the players, all freshmen, were found beside a photocopier in a copy store several days ago. Police have begun an investigation; no charges have been filed.

The eight color copies, plus one for a ninth man not on the team, had Oklahoma markings, including Oklahoma addresses, along with photos of the freshmen players.

The players under investigation accompanied the team to Las Vegas and no disciplinary action is planned until after the game.

*

Karl Dorrell is the new UCLA coach, but Sunday he was focused on his last day of employment with the Denver Broncos.

And the receivers coach remained that way after a loss to the Oakland Raiders, refusing interview requests from reporters who wanted to ask him about UCLA.

Dorrell will begin assembling his coaching staff today.

*

A fleet of UCLA players dressed in blue-and-gold warmups attended a show at the Luxor Hotel on Sunday night.

What did they see? Blue Man Group, of course.

*

UCLA is the third Pacific 10 Conference team to play in the 11-year history of the Las Vegas Bowl.

USC lost to Utah, 10-6, in last year’s game and Oregon defeated Air Force, 41-13, in 1997.

Staff writer Sam Farmer contributed to this report.