LSU coach Les Miles refused to comment on the extent of senior wide receiver Early Doucet’s injury at his weekly press luncheon today.
Doucet missed the Tigers’ 44-0 win Saturday against Middle Tennessee because of an unspecified injury.
Despite his absence, the St. Martinville native still leads LSU with 15 receptions and is No. 2, behind sophomore Brandon LaFell, in receiving yards with 153.
“When I handle injuries I do so as honestly as I can, and I’m not going to tell you what’s going on,” Miles said. “The reason I’m not going to tell you what’s going on is because I want to protect my team, and I want to give my team every opportunity at success.”
Miles said mentioning the specifics of injuries could give opposing teams advantages and incentive to target certain players or areas of the football field.
Miles asked reporters to be respectful of his decision not to elaborate on Doucet’s injury.
“If it comes out of my mouth, you use it,” he said. “If it doesn’t [and] if you root for your team, if in fact this is your team, then you would choose not to report anything not described by me.”
“Everything is news, but sometimes news doesn’t help your team. I would encourage you to see it my way.”
Miles made no secret of the fact that he knew specifics of Doucet’s injury.
“Don’t get me wrong; I know the answers,” he said. “I could tell you exactly what’s wrong, and I’m honest when I say I am deceptive. I’m supposed to be.”
Miles said he does not expect Doucet to be in uniform when the Tigers face No. 12 South Carolina this Saturday.
“It’s a pretty significant injury,” he said. “I hope to have him back as soon as I can get him. Right now, we’re a ways away.”
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