American plays, eats

NEWPORT, RI — The American Athletic Conference held its annual clambake prelude to its football media day on Monday evening outside Gurley’s Resort Hotel on Goat Island.

There were unsubstantiated reports that a Central Florida offensive lineman was consuming his 10th lobster, which would have easily broken the previous record of eight for the annual event, which dates back to the days of Big East football.

This sign at the entrance to Monday’s golf event indicates the AAC’s intentions of joining the Power Five — the ACC, the Big Ten, the Big 12, the Southeastern and the PAC-12. (Photo by Al Myatt)

One veteran of the Big East gatherings said it was the 14th such preseason occasion. This is the fourth year that East Carolina has been involved.

The sumptuous meal followed an afternoon of golf for some under nearly ideal conditions at the Newport National course. The high was in the upper 70s with some sea breeze.

The entrance to Newport National Golf Club, the site of Monday’s golf event. (Photo by Al Myatt)

Coaches and players were doing interviews for television while the superball golf tournament attracted 15 teams.

This is a media event. Noted commentators Randy Cross and Andy Katz were among those spotted at the clambake.

Subterranean-cooked lobsters were part of the clambake. ECU’s Jimmy Williams can be seen viewing the proceedings at the upper right. The Pirate receiver is flanked by ECU linebacker Jordan Williams and Brian Bailey of WNCT-TV 9 and Bonesville. (Photo by Al Myatt)

Verne Lundquist will be the host for roundtable discussions with the coaches today. Those segments will be shown on the American Digital Network.

The league will release its preseason media poll this morning. Commissioner Mike Aresco will speak shortly thereafter and ECU coach Scottie Montgomery along with players Jimmy Williams and linebacker Jordan Williams will talk with reporters.