TheSabre.com isn't the National Enquirer. It's not a place for speculation, rumor, gossip and innuendo. But that was easy to forget this week when star linebacker Ahmad Brooks took an unexplained leave of absence from football practice for two days.

Ahmad Brooks

Why was Brooks gone? Was it academics? Attitude? Personal problems? Naturally, inquiring minds wanted to know, and the message boards were crackling with possible reasons for his departure. Problem is, most of them were uninformed. Some were slightly slanderous. Many of them violated one of our most important Terms of Service, the one forbidding posts that involve "speculation or rumors regarding a player's or recruit's academic situation or personal life."

Why do we have that rule? Simple. It's unfair, uncivil and inappropriate to engage in speculation about the private matters of student-athletes. If something of that nature becomes part of the public record -- an arrest, a team suspension, etc. -- then it is fair game for discussion. If it's merely an allegation from a poster with no verification, then it's gossip. You wouldn't want someone gossiping about you on an Internet message board, right? So we don't allow it. Posts that included idle speculation about Brooks were deleted throughout the week. Posters who stuck to the facts could discuss the matter without facing the daisy cutter, our trusty tool for wiping out entire threads of inappropriate subject matter.

Brooks returned to the team Wednesday night and said "personal issues" led to his brief hiatus. We may never know the exact nature of those issues, but it's fair to say that more than a few people overreacted to his absence and jumped to some hasty conclusions. At UVa's "Meet the Team" event on Thursday, I was talking to tailback Michael Johnson about some of the rumors and gossip on the message boards. "Wow," he said, laughing. "That's crazy."

But hey, it's human nature to wonder, to speculate, to jump to conclusions, to fear the worst. Especially when a mysterious situation involves a star player, fans are going to react that way. And I have no doubt that when a similar circumstance arises in the future, things will get crazy around here once again.

Our resident recruiting expert, Chris Horne, is on vacation this week. Good timing since things are relatively quiet on the recruiting front. He'll be back on the beat next week, however, providing all the latest recruiting information and updates for Edge subscribers.

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Isaiah Ekejiuba and his teammates signed autographs.

Approximately 3000 fans endured muggy weather to show their support for the Cavaliers on "Meet the Team" Day at Scott Stadium on Thursday. Fans were allowed to tour the locker room, try on uniforms and get autographs from players.

"Our fans are second to none," said senior guard Elton Brown, one of the most in-demand players for autograph seekers. "They're the best, always supporting us."

No kidding. The Cavaliers have sold 38,278 season tickets, a school-record figure that is close to what would be considered a season-ticket sellout (39,000).

"We're very appreciative of all 38,278 who signed up to be with us for every one of the games," Groh said. "They're the foundation of it. By the same token, we're looking for those people who can just come once in a while, too. You don't have to be a season-ticket holder to be on this train, because that broadens our fan base."

Open practices highlight training camp

Virginia coach Al Groh let fans watch practice for six days.

Hundred of fans also came out to watch practice this week as Coach Groh allowed spectators to attend sessions every day from Aug. 13-18.

TheSabre.com was represented at each open practice as John Galinsky and Greg Waters filed daily reports from Cavalier Camp. We reported all of the news, including the absence of Ahmad Brooks, the quarterback competition, the development of the receiving corps, the injuries, the scrimmage highlights and much more. Even though practices are now closed to fans and media, the daily reports will continue based on teleconferences with Groh and interviews with players.

To stay on top of all the training camp developments, subscribe to Sabre Edge and get the inside scoop going into the 2004 season.

Cavs picked No. 16 in AP poll

Some say expectations have never been higher for a Virginia football team. That notion gained more credence when the Cavaliers were picked 16th in the AP preseason poll.

UVa has been ranked higher in the preseason just once. In 1990, the 'Hoos started off at No. 15, then rose to No. 1 by midseason before falling to No. 23 in the final poll. A relatively soft early schedule could allow the Cavs to creep into the top 10 for the first time since 1998.

For the entire AP preseason poll, please see the link below.

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