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Jan 16, 2008 3:49 pm US/Pacific
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UCLA Asks Fans To Leave Wooden Alone During Games
LOS ANGELES (AP) ―
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."
(© 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)