Coach's actions go too far - apology doesn't go far enough

It's been awhile since I've written these words, but they remain true.  Coaches coach, players play, and fans cheer.  Anytime anyone assumes the others' role or an entirely different role, chaos usually ensues.  Such is the story of Holy Family University coach John O'Connor and his sophomore player, Matt Kravchuk.  A tough practice became an unmitigated disaster when the coach stepped out of his role.  Coach and player were guests on ABC's Good Morning America  today.  The footage below shows what happened between player and coach.  There's also an awkward verbal exchange between the player, coach, and their attorneys.  Yes...attorneys.  I told you this has become a disaster (Email subscribers click here).



Did you hear that?  Kravchuk said he came to Holy Family to play basketball and now he can't for two reasons.  First, he's injured.  Second, he can't play because he doesn't respect his coach anymore.  I want everyone to read this and internalize it.  Here is what failure by a coach looks like.  It doesn't matter if you lose every game or your athletes can't play a lick.  When your behavior causes a player to quit the sport, you have failed.  Kids quit sports when the they're no longer fun.  Matt Kravchuk may never play another college basketball game.  His wrist will heal, but the enjoyment he got out of playing may be forever broken.  The booklet, Through a Child's Eyes: A Parents' Guide to Improving Youth Sports is available for free from the St. Louis Sports Commission's Sportsmanship Initiative.  Just click on the hyperlinked title and order as many as you need.  Good coaching produces good players.  Great coaching produces great players.  Bad coaching produces no players.  Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol