Chicago coach suspends nearly entire team for shoe stunt

Chicago (Ill.) Simeon Career Academy won its third consecutive Illinois Class 4A state boys basketball championship after defeating Maywood (Ill.) Proviso High School by a 50-48 score. Simeon coach Robert Smith has had a great run of success with the program - winning five state titles. However, his recent actions prove he cares more about the character of his team than the trophies on the mantle.

Almost the entire Simeon team removed their shoes and placed them side-by-side at half-court after the state title win. The move is reminiscent of a wrestling tradition which calls for a wrestler to leave his shoes on the mat after the final match of his career. It's a gesture that pays homage to the sport. In basketball, such a move is selfish and disrespectful.

Coach Smith thought so, too. Watch the CSNChicago.com video below to find out the drastic measure he took to get through to his team (email subscribers click here).




Kudos to Coach Smith for taking such a principled stand. By suspending almost the whole team for one game next season, he has guaranteed a loss. He showed his team that while winning has its place, how you conduct yourself will be remembered long after the cheering stops. Coach Smith explained his actions in an interview with ESPN Chicago. "They were trying to make a statement saying this was our court. To take off the shoes was out of character. I don't think it was the time and place for that. We had already made our statement by winning three (state championships) in a row."

Coach Smith is right. Let the quality of your play speak for you. There's no need to take off your shoes, pose for the cameras or hide a sharpie in your sock. Remember, clowns are the only people who do goofy things to get attention. You and your kids are not clowns. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol