Leave Me Alone

[KFDM COOP]

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UCLA is asking fans to leave former coach John Wooden alone during home basketball games.

The 97-year-old coach is a popular draw at his seat behind the Bruins' bench, with people forming a line to get his autograph any time he shows up.

The "no autographs" request was announced Wednesday by UCLA at the request of Wooden's family.

"It all wears on him," UCLA spokesman Marc Dellins said. "He just wants to be able to come and enjoy the games."

Wooden gets around using a cane and is usually accompanied by his daughter. A lone security guard is on hand to keep the crowd orderly.

Coach Ben Howland said he suggested a year or two ago that fans be asked to leave Wooden in peace.

"It's long overdue," Howland said. "It's not an autograph signing session. He'd be there all day just doing that. He never says no to anybody about anything."

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

[bullets13]

he could always pre-sign a few before the game and then just pass them out... or he could just whack the autograph seekers with his cane.  those are both completely acceptable solutions IMO.