Oregon's Mike Bellotti calls Rick Neuheisel a good friend
UCLA FOOTBALL
The coaches' contentious relationship is all in the past, Bellotti says today. 'We are pretty good friends, more than people think.'
Oregon Coach Mike Bellotti said former rough spots with UCLA Coach Rick Neuheisel were portrayed more by the "fans and press than anybody else" and that the two are "good friends," despite the fact that Neuheisel criticized Oregon's recruiting tactics in 2002.
Still, there have been flash points that seemingly could cause unhappiness even among the best of friends.
Colorado, coached by Neuheisel, ran a fake punt while leading Oregon, 38-6, in the 1996 Cotton Bowl. Bellotti said today, "I took exception to that because we let it happen, not that they chose to do it."
Other moments are equally misunderstood moments to Bellotti, such as when he said the Ducks dominated in a 51-43 loss to Colorado in the 1998 Aloha Bowl and Neuheisel countered with, "scoreboard, baby."
"I don't know that is the case," Bellotti said when asked about whether Neuheisel has pushed his buttons. "We are pretty good friends, more than people think. I respect what he has done and I have heard him say the same things about me.
"I think the longer you know somebody, the better chance you have of understanding the things they do."
Bellotti, responding to a follow-up question, said, "You're searching for something. I want to talk football; you can talk this stuff all you want."
Neuheisel pointed out that when he was under investigation at Washington, Bellotti who wrote a letter to the NCAA on his behalf.
"I'll be forever thankful to Mike that he was willing to extend himself the way he did," Neuheisel said. "There has been a lot said about the relationship between myself and Mike, but been put in the past. I consider him not only great coach, but a great guy."
Powder blue Bellotti?
Oh what might have been?
UCLA officials made an effort to land Bellotti last December, flying to Eugene to meet with Bellotti during the coach search. Almost as soon as word of the meeting was leaked, a statement from Bellotti was posted on the Oregon website.
"I was approached by them on several occasions and finally agreed to allow them to come to Eugene and speak with me," Bellotti said.
"UCLA wanted to present to me a scenario that would offer all those things and asked if I would listen. That's as far as it ever went. I never considered it an interview, merely an opportunity for them to provide me with some information and insights into their program. I have been, and continue to be, 100% committed to the University of Oregon and our pursuit of a national championship."
UCLA hired Neuheisel two weeks later.
chris.foster@latimes.com
