Youth baseball president suspended for racist Facebook comments

Oak Lawn (Ill.)Westside Baseball Club president John Kelly was suspended from the league for one year after making racist comments about the late Whitney Houston on his Facebook page last week. Kelly, who is white, was upset about the media coverage surrounding Houston's death. His post read, "I'm so sick of reading about this dumb stupid N----- Whitney Houston." Kelly told the Chicago Sun-Times in an interview, "I didn't even know I put it in until after I sent it." As someone who uses Facebook quite frequently, I can tell you that you can delete a post immediately after sending it. Kelly meant to send that post.

He went on to tell the newspaper that Houston wasn't a good role model for kids - given her history of addiction. And I submit that Kelly is not a good role model for kids either - given his history of racism. The biggest problem with racism is the effect it has on others. If an ignorant bigot wants to sit in his living room and shout epithets at his television, so what?! It's when said bigot has a position of authority or influence - especially over children - that creates the issue. Teachers can't be racists. Coaches can't be racists. Executives can't be racists. Presidents of youth baseball leagues that instruct and influence thousands of kids can't be racists.

Even when confronted about the content of his comments, Kelly stood by his ignorance. "I do stand behind everything I said except the 'n'-word. I regret using that adjective. Does that make me a racist? Are you kidding me? It was the farthest thing from my mind. I have some amazing friends who are black." Again, the frightening part is that he was in charge of children. This is why we do what we do with the blog, clinic, the Brigade and other events. We're trying to change perspectives. We're trying to change how adults think about the responsibility they have to kids.

Incidentally, it was a parent of one of the league's African-American children who first reported Kelly's post. What is that parent supposed to think about the league now? If a coach and league president can use such language about a celebrity he didn't know, what could he be saying about the child when he drops a fly ball or misses the cutoff man? Don't let questions like these cloud the reputation of your league. Understand that we coach for the success of children on and off the field. We must know our role and embrace it.

If you're in or near the St. Louis area and coach youth baseball or softball, I'd like to invite you to a very special and FREE program this weekend. Just click on the icon at the top of this page for the Coach It Right! Baseball Clinic (email subscribers click here). Many of us have been told to leave places better than when we found them. Let's do the same for our kids. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Discount Double Character

From L-R: Solomon Alexander, Jason Selk and Kerry Youngerman

The Des Peres (Mo.) NFL Flag Football league is in full swing and the Sportsmanship Brigade was out Saturday afternoon to see the league's Packers and Chargers 9 to 11-year-old teams. While Aaron Rodgers and Phillip Rivers weren't calling the signals, both teams played with a skill and attitude that would make both quarterbacks proud. The game itself included everything you would expect from a flag football game - pass, pass, and pass some more. However, both teams were pretty good at running some successful reverse plays as well. As a matter of fact, the compliments from Brigade members were heaped on the teams more so than any one individual player.

When this happens, credit always goes to the coaches. Teams take on the personality of their coaches. The Packers and Chargers are mirror-images of their coaches. Packers coach Jason Selk is a tremendous motivator and encouraged his offensive and defensive players alike. He showed just as much enthusiasm with a quarterback sack on defense as he did with an offensive touchdown. Chargers coach Kerry Youngerman was equal to the task as a supreme motivator and instructor. Even when his quarterback threw a key interception, Youngerman remained positive and prompted his player to go out and make the next play.

Both squads showed excellent sportsmanship and the Brigade saw fit to reward both coaches in recognition of their team's attitudes. These kids are in very capable hands. The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who attend youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, coaches, parents and fans who exhibit good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more on the Brigade, including scheduling and volunteering information, please visit sportsmanship.org or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Hustle is spelled N-I-C-K

Nick Wallace and his dad along with Solomon Alexander

Nick Wallace of St. Rose is the very definition of hustle. During Friday night's eighth grade boy's basketball matchup versus Sacred Heart of Florissant, Nick did everything his team needed him to do. He's a good player and contributed positively with his scoring and rebounding. However, it was Nick's intangibles that caught the eye of the Sportsmanship Brigade.

He dove to the floor for seemingly every loose ball. Nick absorbed charge after charge while encouraging his teammates to raise their games to a new level. He proved that playing hard while respecting the game can be done and done well. The Sportsmanship Brigade was proud to honor Nick Wallace with this week's award.

The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who attend youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, coaches, parents and fans who exhibit good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more on the Brigade, including scheduling and volunteering information, please visit sportsmanship.org or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Pat Knight shows how NOT to treat your players

Lamar University lost to Stephen F. Austin last night in men's basketball. It's customary for key players from both teams along with the coaches to address the media after the game. A Lamar player was speaking when his coach, Pat Knight, interrupted him. Usually, I don't post videos this long but watch as much as you can. The first five seconds or so is of particular importance (email subscribers click here).

 

Did you catch what Coach Knight said to his player? "Alright, let's go. 'Cause I'm next and you don't have a clue of what it takes to win." Knight then goes on for another painful eight minutes berating, belittling and insulting his players. If your player doesn't know what it takes to win, then show him. That's your job as a coach. Knight airs all of his team's "dirty laundry" in this rant. Nothing is out-of-bounds. He talks about suspensions, grades and whatever else he can think of. Knight totally betrayed the trust of his players.

He'll be all over the highlight shows, but at what cost? What did he gain by doing this to his kids? Is it going to make them play harder? Will more of them make the Dean's List? If this team succeeds, it will be out of spite. And that's no way to get positive results. Knight actually accuses his players of stealing money relative to their play while being on scholarship. To make it plain, Knight did everything wrong in this press conference.

Please don't ever treat your kids this way. Positive Instruction + Positive Attitude  = Positive Results. Model the behavior you want them to exhibit. Teach them good practice habits. If they need help in the classroom, then help them or find someone who can. Have a receptive ear and not a raving mouth. Not once in 8 1/2 minutes did Coach Knight say he cared about those kids. It doesn't matter if it's on the court, in the classroom or at home. Kids won't do anything for you unless they know you care. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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9-year-old dies after being forced to run

Savannah Hardin, a 9-year-old girl from Attalla, Alabama was forced to run for three hours straight after reportedly lying to her grandmother and stepmother about eating candy last Friday. Authorities say the girl was severely dehydrated and suffered a seizure. She died a few days later. Savannah's grandmother and stepmother are facing murder charges as a result of the incident. Several people witnessed the young girl running in the neighborhood, but didn't think anything of it.

This post is not to blame the witnesses or to sound the alarm on a potential epidemic when there isn't one. I see kids running in my neighborhood and throughout the city everyday and think nothing of it. The blame lies where it should. Savannah's grandmother and stepmother had no business making that child run for three hours. My intention in writing this post is to warn coaches and parents about using excessive exercise as punishment. Granted, this is the first time I've heard of a kid dying from excessive running. However, the fact that a healthy activity all of a sudden became a life-threatening one is worth taking a look at.

Like many of you reading this, I had coaches who made me run when I messed up. Others had me do push-ups. Exercise has always been used as a form of punishment. The point is to get you in better shape while you learn your lesson. Maybe we need to re-examine our methods. I'm not saying kids should never run or do push-ups again. I am saying we need to know why they're doing it. If you're just angry with them, pick something else. Coaches can take away playing time. Parents can take away a whole host of other things (games, time with friends, allowance, etc.).

The adults in charge of Savannah Hardin had no idea what they were doing and she paid the ultimate price for their ignorance. We have to know what we're doing when it comes to our kids. Even when they're being punished, they trust us to know when enough is enough. We need to validate that trust and know for ourselves. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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LeBron, Why won't you play in the dunk contest?

Sollomon Gessesse of Portland, Oregon is a huge NBA fan and wants more stars to participate in the All-Star Weekend festivities this week. Particularly, he really wants LeBron James to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest. The middle-schooler took to YouTube in hopes that his hero would see his impassioned plea and enter the competition. Can't say I disagree with the young man, either. The Slam Dunk Contest was cool when I was a kid because the biggest stars of that time competed in it. It was great to see Michael Jordan go toe-to-toe with Dominique Wilkins.

Now, there's almost zero chance of seeing LeBron versus Kobe in such a contest. Have a look at young Sollomon's video below (email subscribers click here). Not only do I think the kid is right, he has a cool name too. But I digress. Kids help us see what's really important. They don't care about cars, money, houses or jewelry. The best thing any of us could ever do for a kid is show up. I hope LeBron is listening. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Tyron Woodley headlines youth clinic

Tyron Woodley is a rare and special kind of athlete. He's blessed with tremendous fighting skill and athleticism. He's also willing to share what he knows with kids. Woodley is a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter currently signed to the Strikeforce promotion. He is 10-0 as a professional. Six of his fights have been stopped early due to knockout or submission. Woodley's background is of particular importance to us at the Sports Commission and should be to any of you who have kids involved in wrestling or the martial arts.

Woodley is a native St. Louisan and a Mizzou graduate. He was a multi-time All-American in Freestyle and Folkstyle wrestling while at Mizzou. I've also had the pleasure of meeting him on a few occasions and his skill is only surpassed by his humility and passion to help young people succeed. When you see Woodley in public, he's not flanked by a group of random hangers-on. His "entourage" consists of his wife and their two sons. Woodley is the real deal and we're proud to have him as a featured clinician at this year's Wrestling Youth Clinic on March 13 at Scottrade Center.

The Wrestling Youth Clinic is the kickoff event for the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships taking place March 15-17 in St. Louis. Woodley competed in this event several times and looks to give back to his community by teaching the next generation. Several prominent high school and college coaches will join him in a clinic that will draw 300 young wrestlers from around the region. Best of all, the clinic is absolutely FREE. Here's what you need to do to register. Click on the icon at the top of this page that reads Wrestling Youth Clinic or call 314-345-5130. Below is Woodley's most recent highlight film (email subscribers click here). He is as good as advertised.

An important note for parents - the Wrestling Youth Clinic is an instructional event which will teach kids the basics of offensive and defensive wrestling in the Folkstyle tradition. No coach involved, including Woodley, will teach any striking or submission maneuvers during this clinic. Tyron Woodley is a professional athlete and the techniques he uses in his fights should not be done in the youth setting. The video below has been posted to demonstrate the breadth and depth of Woodley's skills as a wrestler and to show you that your child will be in very capable hands at the Wrestling Youth Clinic.

The Wrestling Youth Clinic is a program of the St. Louis Sports Commission's Sportsmanship Initiative - which creates more positive environments for kids to play sports so they will remain active and lead healthier, happier lives. For more on information on the Sportsmanship Initiative, please visit sportsmanship.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Laissez la sportivité de rouleau !

Brigade members Evelyn Austin and Becky Limback pictured with this week's award winners

St. Louis boasts the second-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S. outside of New Orleans. However, when it comes to good sportsmanship, The Gateway City is second to none. This was certainly true when the Sportsmanship Brigade paid another a visit to "The J" on Saturday for 7u boys basketball. First, the Brigade focused on young Maxwell who you see in the picture above. Maxwell represents the intention of this teaching league. He listened to his coach and followed instructions to the letter - even when one of his teammates didn't necessarily want him to. There was a play where Maxwell's coach clearly told him to dribble the ball to the corner to set up a shot. Maxwell's teammate wanted him to pass the ball so he could take the shot. It took a lot of courage and focus for Maxwell to remain obedient to his coach. It's for this reason that the Brigade saw fit to reward him.

Coaches Kevin Kelley and Scott Hardwick set amazing examples for their respective teams. While each coach had his own particular style, both were very attentive to detail and treated the young athletes with respect. Each man could be seen encouraging his athletes during the game and calmly explaining and correcting mistakes. Kelley and Hardwick were easy selections for the Brigade this week. The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who attend youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, coaches, parents and fans who exhibit good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more on the Brigade, including scheduling and volunteering information, please visit sportsmanship.org or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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'Piggyback Bandit' on the loose

If this guy seems out-of-place, it's because he is.

We are fortunate to have readers of this blog from all over the country. So, I feel it necessary to give everyone a bit of a warning. Sherwin Shayegan of Seattle, dubbed "The Piggyback Bandit," has shown up at high school sporting events in five different states trying to talk students into giving him piggyback rides. He's already been banned from schools in Washington, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, and North Dakota. Law enforcement officials say he appears at high schools and posing as a volunteer. Sometimes he pretends to be disabled to gain sympathy from the kids.

The photo you see above is from a security camera at a North Dakota High School. Shayegan is 5-8 and weighs 250 pounds. What he's doing isn't just creepy - it's dangerous for the kids to have a man that large just jumping on their backs. According to reports, he's been doing this since 2008 and only recently has he been charged and/or punished. Shayegan received a one-year suspended sentence in Montana for misdemeanor assault earlier this month. However, this didn't seem to deter him. The guy was seen the very next week at schools in Minnesota and North Dakota.

Please be on the lookout for this guy or anyone who shows up to your kids' games behaving strangely. Don't think it's too much to contact law enforcement about weird characters. Most of the adults who are around our kids mean them no harm whatsoever, but we need to remain watchful of the ones who have other intentions. As you go with your kids to their various events this weekend, please remember to have fun and be careful. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

P.S. Don't forget to check out or new comment section via Facebook when you click on a particular post. You can now share your views on Sportsmanship with your friends.

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Penn State coach comes through for fans

Penn State defeated Nebraska 67-51 last Saturday at home in men's basketball. Sounds like good news for Nittany Lions fans. Well, not so much. You see, Penn State has a promotion going this season with the local McDonald's. If Penn State scores 70 or more points during home games, students are treated to a free Big Mac the next day. The outcome of last Saturday's game caused some disappointment, though. Penn State was in complete control of the game and could have easily scored more than 70.

Coach Patrick Chambers, however, decided to pull his starters early in the second half as a win seemed all but inevitable. The Nittany Lions also had the ball on the last possession and could have hoisted up a three-pointer. Coach Chambers then instructed his players to hold the ball. He certainly did the right thing by not showing up the other team, but what about the fans? Great! Our team has a good coach with good character, but we're still hungry. Find out in the Yahoo! Sports video below what Coach Chambers did to show fans that when you practice good sportsmanship, there are no losers (email subscribers click here). Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Rock, Chalk...I Will Not!

Emma Burton is a kindergartner from Olathe, Kansas. Her parents are alumni of Kansas State University and Emma is very much a Wildcats fan. Seems pretty harmless, right? It is, until you ask her to color a picture of a Jayhawk. Emma's class was learning about the state of Kansas - state bird, state song, etc. Her teacher thought it would be fun for them to color a picture of a Jayhawk - the mascot for the University of Kansas. Like many in-state schools, Kansas and Kansas State are huge rivals. With Kansas State pride coursing through her little veins, Emma refused to color the Jayhawk picture.

Even after a stern reprimand from her teacher, Emma still refused to complete the assignment. Emma's mom, Julie writes a blog called Bug Bytes and here is part of the conversation she had with Emma when they got home:

Emma, you need to color this thing. The teacher might have to send you to the principal’s office.

I don’t care. I’m not coloring it.

Hmmm…Ok. What if I make you a deal. What if I print out a Powercat and you color it purple, grey and white. Then write an apology to your teacher because you were rude. Will you agree to that?

(pouts) Fine.

Ok, but you need to color that Jayhawk for your teacher.

(silent, exhales) Fine.

You will?

Yes. But I don’t like it. And I’m wearing a K-State shirt tomorrow.

Fine. You don’t have to like it. Just do it and I want you to tell your teacher you’re sorry as well. 

Julie kept up her end of the bargain as did Emma. Here is the Powercat picture she colored along with an apology to her teacher.

We also have the accompanying photo of what happened to the Jayhawk picture as soon as Emma got home.

Some people will think this is cute and/or funny. I do not. Disrespecting and disobeying your teacher at any age is unacceptable. Emma's teacher gave her an assignment and it should have been completed without incident. I love children, but I do not negotiate with them. If a child is wrong, we should not bribe them to do right. We need to be careful of the things we say and do around our kids. They internalize everything when it comes to us as parents.

Emma may think her parents really dislike Kansas and everything about it - which is why she'd risk a trip to the principal's office over a coloring assignment. I'm sure Emma's parents don't feel that way, but they must teach her the difference between rivals and enemies. Kansas and Kansas State are rivals. Ohio State and Michigan are rivals. The St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs are rivals. The United States and Germany were enemies in World War II. Terrorist organizations are enemies of the United States now.

If I were explaining this to a kid, I'd use fictional characters. The Sith and Jedi are enemies. Autobots and Decepticons are enemies. Superman and Lex Luthor are enemies. You see, rivals look to defeat their opponents with the intention of meeting them in competition again. Cardinals vs. Cubs is the most anticipated series of the year here at home. We can't wait for Chicago to come to town and they can't wait for us to come to the Windy City. Conversely, enemies want to wipe each other out. Superman would be ecstatic if Lex Luthor vanished forever.

Our kids need to know the difference to help them put sports in perspective. School is real-life and your favorite sports team is not worth a visit to the office. Think of it this way. Rivals are supposed to bring out the best in you. They're supposed to make you play better, cheer better and show more school pride. And if that doesn't convince you, how about this? Olathe is a suburb of Kansas City and about 40 minutes or so from the University of Kansas. Having lived in the area, the Burtons are smack in the middle of Jayhawk country. I'm just saying when you live in Rome, don't be surprised to see Roman soldiers every once in awhile. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Star-Spangled Banner Whitney Houston

"The Star-Spangled Banner" has been a part of every sporting event I've ever attended. Youth, high school, college and pro events all have a singer or a recording of the anthem played before the contest. Honestly, most versions of the song I've heard have been disrespectful and downright awful. Someone sings the song like they're taking medicine, forgets the CD or worse - the words. How can an American citizen not know the words? Ugh!

Fortunately, there was an American - a petite yet great American who put some soul into the heart of our anthem. Sure, other great singers have sung the song. But no other has ever delivered the anthem. The greatest singer of my generation passed away over the weekend. Whitney Houston died at the age of 48. Her voice was one of those miracles of heaven you get while your feet are still on the ground.

She used her great gift to honor the game. How great would sports be if we all did the same? While you contemplate the answer to that question, I ask everyone who can to rise to their feet and join six-time Grammy-winner Whitney Houston in the singing of our National Anthem (email subscribers click here). Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Brigade confident in 'Battle'

From L-R: Melaina Fischer, Solomon Alexander and Kendall Battle

Westgate Christian and Holy Spirit went head-to-head in CYC 5th grade girls basketball on Friday night and the Sportsmanship Brigade was on-hand. Melaina Fischer of Westgate was the Brigade's first award-winner as she was her team's vocal leader on the floor and on the bench. Melaina could also be seen clapping for teammates as they came to the bench during timeouts and giving them pats on the back while on the floor. She embodies the encouraging, yet humble attitude every coach wants in a player. Melaina is an outstanding young lady and certainly worthy of this week's honor.

Athletes sometimes have names tailor-made for their personalities. Kendall Battle of Holy Spirit definitely lived up to her name. Her team only fielded six players, so the young guard was called upon to play heavy minutes - and play she did. Don't let her small frame fool you. She literally chased every loose ball to the floor and was the first one on her team to get back on defense on every single play. Even as Westgate took a commanding lead, you couldn't tell by looking at Kendall. Teams need vocal leaders as well as those who yell with their actions. The Brigade heard Ms. Battle loud and clear.

The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who attend youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, coaches, parents and fans who exhibit good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more on the Brigade, including scheduling and volunteering information, please visit sportsmanship.org or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Basketball team penalized for selfless act

The Omaha (Neb.) Burke High girls basketball team was assessed a technical foul in their game against Omaha (Neb.) Columbus High last Monday night. They didn't do anything silly like yell at a referee or throw a ball angrily into the stands. Nope, they received the technical foul for wearing pink uniforms. Why was this a technical foul? Well, Nebraska rules state that the home team must wear white uniforms. OK, that's a clear enough rule. So, why would Burke willingly violate the rule? Have look at the KPTM-TV story below to find out (email subscribers click here). Rules are rules, but breaking some rules have no negative consequence whatsoever. Don't believe me? Go rip the tag off your mattress right now and call me when S.W.A.T. shows up to your door. These girls were trying to help someone else and they were penalized for it. Sometimes when we get caught up in the winning at all costs mentality, we lose sight of the bigger picture. The saying "No good deed goes unpunished" had to come from a person who was penalized for doing the right thing. After shooting the technical free throws, Columbus took the lead and went on to defeat Burke by 15. However, the Burke girls scored a much higher point total in a different category after the game.

Their goal was to auction the pink jerseys after the game and give the money to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They hoped to raise $2,000, but wound up raising $2,600. Score one for the home team and score one for the kids helped through Make-A-Wish. I hope the athletic director and coach who decided to report Burke's uniform violation got all they wanted out of their hollow victory. Wining without class is similar to dropping your ice cream cone on the ground after refusing to share it with your little brother. Sure, you could still pick it up and eat it. But who really wants dirt-flavored ice cream? Yeah, that's what I thought. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Fans use banana suits and slurs to taunt rival team

Last Friday night, Monessen (Pa.) High School visited rival Pittsburgh (Pa.) Brentwood High School for a boys basketball match-up. Monessen is made up of mostly black players while the Brentwood team is mostly white. This usually wouldn't matter except for the attitude exhibited by Brentwood and its fans. Specifically, three fans left their seats in the student section at halftime. The three Brentwood students were wearing banana costumes and began taunting Monessen players by making monkey noises and yelling other racial slurs.

Monessen parents also told WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh that the Brentwood players themselves were calling their opponents "monkeys and cotton-pickers." I know it's difficult to assess someone's tone in a blog post, but understand that you could light a match on my forehead right now I'm so mad. We have a massive failure here by the adults involved - teachers, coaches, parents, administrators and security. You have a predominantly black team playing a predominantly white team and three kids come in wearing banana costumes. Do we need a slide rule to figure this out?

Let me make it plain. Other than the n-word, the worst thing you can call an African-American is a monkey. Why? Well, I'm glad you asked. In the days of slavery and Jim Crow, black people were often referred to as monkeys partly because of our brown skin and thicker lips. Children were told we had tails as well. Brentwood fans and players obviously displayed poor sportsmanship by their taunts and the fact that the fans were on the court. Fans have no business on the court or on the field. But this goes deeper than poor sportsmanship. The incident described here speaks to a culture that has allowed racism to fester among its young people.

Kids don't learn this stuff on their own. There is simply no way a teenager in 2012 would know that calling an African-American a monkey is offensive unless an adult told them so. Most kids don't even know that cotton was ever picked - by black people or anyone else. I told a friend once that kids are tape-delayed DVRs. They record everything we say and do and replay those behaviors at the most inopportune time. If you want to know what's being taught and what's acceptable in a given household or community, just look at the kids. Their behavior will give you the clearest indicator.

I'm sorry the kids in Moneesen had to experience such a scene. Playing on your high school basketball team is supposed to be a fun, enriching experience - not a racially motivated assault. Some will say the kids have changed. No, they haven't. The adults have changed and I have a two-word solution to that problem. Change. Back. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Patriots players party after Super Bowl loss

I've heard more than once in my life that you should never take yourself too seriously. We sometimes do that when it comes to sports. Fans live and die emotionally with their teams. When Mario Manningham of the Giants made his miraculous sideline catch in the 4th quarter Sunday night, I'm sure New York fans hit the ceiling in jubilation. I'm also certain the same number of New England fans let out groans of disappointment when Wes Welker of the Patriots dropped a pass that would have all but sealed the game for them. As New England quarterback Tom Brady made the slow stroll to the losing locker room, Patriot nation went with him. On Monday, video surfaced of Patriots players at a party right after the Super Bowl. You have to see this to believe it. Check out the video below (email subscribers click here).
 
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski and offensive lineman Matt Light are partying on-stage with the band LMFAO. How could they party at a time like this?! Their team just lost the Super Bowl...again...to the Giants...again! Do they know how we feel as fans? Do they even care? In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit I am a Patriots fan. Tom Brady is my favorite quarterback. However, this video helps me come back to earth a little bit too. I know we make a big deal out of the Super Bowl. I know millions of people around the world are invested in it - financially and otherwise. The Super Bowl is a great game - probably the greatest of games - but it's still a game.

Honestly, Rob Gronkowski and Matt Light did what we should do with our youth sports teams. They went out and had a good time. Win or lose, that party was going to happen. We can't take our kids to a private party with a famous band, but we can take them out for pizza or ice cream. Let them know it's just a game and the sun will come up tomorrow. You'll win some and you'll lose some, but don't lose yourself trying to win. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Super Weekend for Sportsmanship

From L-R: Solomon Alexander, Steve Newman, Rosie Newman, Jen Ramsey, Emma Kambol and Chris  Glosemeyer

This was a Super weekend of sportsmanship at the "The J" in Chesterfield and at Sacred Heart in Valley Park. Friday night, the Sportsmanship Brigade took in a 5th grade girls basketball match-up between the host Sacred Heart and Mary Queen of Peace. We couldn't help but notice the coach of the Sacred Heart squad upon our arrival. It was none other than St. Louis sports talk radio legend Bob Ramsey.  Ramsey, his wife Jen, and Chris Glosemeyer do an outstanding job and they were particularly good on Friday night.

Not to be outdone was Mary Queen of Peace coach Steve Newman. He and Ramsey gave instructions to their respective teams without excessive yelling or other theatrics. Newman's team played great defense without fouling and certainly did their school proud. So, it was pretty easy for the Brigade to reward the Sacred Heart coaching staff along with Coach Newman of Mary Queen of Peace.

Emma Kambol of Sacred Heart and Rosie Newman of Mary Queen of Peace were our award winners from the athletes' side. Emma followed Ramsey's instructions to the letter and showed tremendous hustle and determination. She is a definite inspiration to her teammates. Rosie Newman takes after her dad, Steve. On and off the court, she could be easily identified as her team's vocal leader. Pats on the back and high-fives were a common occurrence from this stellar young lady.

From L-R: Andy Dalin, Solomon Alexander and Sam Winter

Saturday featured a 5th grade boys basketball game at "The J". Teams at "The J" are identified by their coach's names more so than the team nickname. We quickly found that every other team in the league with red uniforms is nicknamed the Heat. Last names made things a lot easier. The "Benes" team  was coached by former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Alan Benes and the "Krazier" team was coached by 18-year-old Andy Dalin and 16-year-old Sam Winter. Dalin and Winter showed maturity beyond their years when it came to game management and character.

Dalin and Winter had their 11-year-olds' full attention during the game. They talked to each kid with respect and could be seen encouraging them regardless of the outcome of a play. We spent a good portion of the game looking for someone older on the Krazier bench. These coaches are kids themselves. Surely, they couldn't be doing this alone. I'm happy to report that we were wrong. Dalin and Winter are excellent coaches and that 5th grade team is in good hands. Rewarding the two of them was the easiest choice the Brigade has made thus far.

The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who attend youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, coaches, parents and fans who exhibit good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more on the Brigade, including scheduling and volunteering information, please visit sportsmanship.org or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Baseball for coaches, Wrestling for kids

I'm usually fine to discuss current sportsmanship issues, but let's take a time out from talking today.  I want you to do something - actually two things.  Below, you'll find descriptions of two events we have coming up that are free and just for you and your kids. Register today and after you sign up, be sure to tell a friend. Until next time..

Be Good Sport!

-Sol

Click here to register now for the Coach It Right! Baseball Clnic

Youth Clinic

Tuesday, March 13 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Aspiring wrestlers ages 10-16 can learn from top student-athletes and coaches, and experience what it’s like to be on wrestling’s biggest stage. The free clinic is hosted by the St. Louis Sports Commission and the University of Missouri. 

At the clinic, participants will learn wrestling skills, conditioning tips and the importance of practicing good sportsmanship. All of the action takes place on the same mats where NCAA wrestlers will compete for a national title. Parents will participate in a free panel discussion featuring local experts discussing sportsmanship, nutrition, coaching and injury prevention. 

The clinic connects to the Sports Commission’s Sportsmanship Initiative, which creates positive environments for kids to play sports so they remain active and lead healthier, happier lives. Through several innovative platforms the initiative reaches out to young people to encourage respect, civility, selflessness and integrity. To register your child, click here or call (314) 345-5130.

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Fans step out of their role - 74 dead, 1,000 injured

Know your role. You can be an athlete, coach, official or fan. Choose one and respect the others. It doesn't matter if it's the 5th grade basketball championship, the Super Bowl or a hotly-contested soccer match in Egypt. The rule remains the same. When we know and stay in our roles, good things usually happen and order is maintained. When we don't, what you see in the video below can happen (email subscribers click here).

In an Egyptian soccer match earlier this week, fourth-place Al Masry defeated defending champion Al Ahly 3-1. After the match, Al Masry fans stormed the field and began chasing the Al Ahly players. Some of the players were cornered and had rocks and bottles thrown at them. Other players were stabbed and beaten. At least 74 people were killed in the riot with another 1,000 injured. Obviously, this is an extreme case and there are greater issues at play here than just a lack of good sportsmanship. That being said, it should serve as a reminder of what can happen when civility, respect and fair play are lost.

Please maintain civility and respect in your sports league or organization. If you need tips, download the free booklet Through a Child's Eyes by clicking on the icon provided. Sport should always be a refuge from the harsh realities of life - crime, violence, political strife, etc. Let's do our best to keep it that way. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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DUI arrest inside youth hockey rink

A Minnesota man was arrested Monday night on suspicion of DUI. This isn't news in and of itself. The fact that the arrest came inside a youth hockey rink is. Watch the KARE-TV story below and find out how this bizarre situation unfolded (email subscribers click here).
Kudos to the parents and coaches who stepped in and made sure the impaired driver didn't hurt anyone. We can't always prepare for what may happen on the field, court or ice - but we can always act as these adults did. Make sure we keep the kids safe and do our best to resolve the issue. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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