THREE SENIOR STARTERS on the Cal football team can't wait to get to Las Vegas so they can play blackjack and poker. Isn't that nice? Actually, no, it isn't. I'm not one to say the Bears should be all business as they prepare to meet BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl. The game Thursday is meaningless, and the trip should serve as nothing more than a season-ending party. But plain and simple: The casinos should be off limits to all members of the team and coaching staff. These people are representing the university, and there's no way the Cal administration would want to condone gambling in any way, shape or form. You'd think Jeff Tedford has cautioned the players about The Strip, warning everyone to stay away from the sportsbooks and those under 21 to stay outside, period. But can you really expect that of an 18-year-old making his first trip to the magical city when he sees team leaders showing off their chips at breakfast? Tedford had a chance to slam the door on all gambling talk this week when asked about his personal "gaming" preferences. Instead, he turned the subject into a joke, lamenting about being a "bad gambler." "I enjoy gambling," said senior fullback Chris Manderino, who will celebrate his 23rd birthday on the day of the game. Just what the NCAA wants to hear.
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