Jones will skip WAC football conference

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Saying he is not yet healthy enough to travel, University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones has told Western Athletic Conference officials he will not attend the league's media conference this month in Reno, Nev.

While making a rapid recovery from injuries suffered in a car crash in February, Jones still is not able to sit for extended periods.

"I'm still kind of sore," said Jones, who sustained head and internal injuries from the single-car accident on Feb. 22.

Jones, who undergoes daily rehabilitation sessions, is back at work full time. He also plays golf occasionally .

Still, he said, on a trip to California last month, "I had to stand most of the flight" because of soreness.

But Jones vowed not to miss any of the Warriors' three trips to the Mainland or the Sept. 8 season-opener against Montana at Maui's War Memorial Stadium.

"I'll be there," he said.

Associate head coach George Lumpkin will replace Jones at the meeting, which has drawn up to 100 media members.

"I don't like to talk to (reporters) very much, but I don't see a problem," Lumpkin said. "I'll answer whatever questions they ask."

Jones was expected to be the featured speaker in his first public appearance on the Mainland since the accident. At last year's meeting in Dallas, Jones, easily the league's most recognizable coach, received the most interview requests.

This month's meeting will be used as a platform to introduce Louisiana Tech and Boise State as new members, and provide details of the WAC's new three-year deal with the ESPN cable television network.

When asked if he regretted missing the meetings, set in a casino atmosphere, Jones said, "I don't like to gamble much — except on fourth-and-1."