Dads fight at little league game

The Northern Little League team defeated the Harris County All-Stars last Friday night in a baseball game just outside of Columbus, Ga. Charles Davidson, a Northern dad, decided to start playing the rap anthem "All I Do Is Win" in celebration of his team's victory. Iram King, a Harris County dad, didn't take too kindly to what he perceived as his team being shown up by Davidson. Watch the video below to see what happened next (email subscribers click here).



This incident has made the national rounds, but I think it's important to show the raw footage without commentary. Watch the video again and listen to the kids and some of the other parents. The fracas took on a life of its own as other parents started tussling. One kid can be heard yelling, "C'mon, Dad!" as his father rolled around on the ground fighting another dad. Another man said, "There's kids out here watching this stuff." That may be the most pointed statement of the whole situation.

Kids are watching this stuff. Thankfully, the Northern and Harris County kids show maturity far beyond that of their parents. The kids shook hands after the game and even posed for a dual team picture. Kudos to those young men for showing class. That being said, the situation is out of order. Everyone was outside of their roles. Kids were the mediators while the parents acted like fools. Ego and immaturity caused the brawl in which at least two young men saw their dads escorted to jail.

We have to gain control of ourselves. Our kids' experiences are ruined when we fight and get hauled off to jail. Believe it or not, kids are embarrassed to see us not act like adults. They complain about us being old and no fun, but they expect dad to act like a dad. We're supposed to be above the fray. Yet, so many of us wallow in the mire of childish behavior and nonsense. An old saying asked, "Are you a man or a mouse?" I have a 21st Century twist on that question. Are you a parent or a punchline? Before you answer, please keep in mind that raising kids is no joke. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol