While the title of this post is a play on words and may even be a bit cheesy, there's nothing funny about the behavior of Rutgers University head men's basketball coach Mike Rice. Fiery coaches are nothing new in sports. Some coaches get in players' faces. Others implement tough drills. Even the language is somewhat different. It's not optimal, but we all know it happens at the collegiate level and beyond.
However, Rice's behavior is over the top. He was suspended for three games and fined $50,000 last December for "inappropriate language and behavior" as cited by the university. ESPN's "Outside the Lines" recently obtained the video evidence of Rice's conduct which lead to his suspension. Please watch the ESPN report below (email subscribers click here). Warning: While ESPN does an adequate job of cleaning up the language, this video still contains material you and your family may find objectionable or offensive. Viewer discretion is advised.
This kind of behavior is not acceptable on any level. No one trusts their son to a coach for him to be treated that way. Grabbing, kicking and throwing basketballs would not be tolerated from a three-year-old and should not be tolerated from a collegiate coach. You can be a tough coach without being abusive. You can be competitive without being condescending. You can win without behaving like a loser.
The Sportsmanship Initiative and Coaching Coaches, LLC can help you make sure that your kids have the best experience possible. Make sure the people who work with your kids know who they're coaching and why they're coaching. For more information on our training program, please call 314-345-5130 or email me at salexander@stlsports.org.Our kids deserve better. It's time for us to do better.
Tuesday, 2 April 2013
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