Xavier-Cincinnati Brawl

  For all those that underestimate the value or doubt the extent of a coaches influence and how it translates beyond the field or court of competition, I would like to submit this most recent case study as overwhelming proof. Last weekend the ugly side of competitive sports was on display as benches cleared and a brawl ensued during the last ten seconds of the Xavier vs. Cincinnati basketball game. It would be easy to focus in on the physical actions of the athletes because they are disturbing,graphic and grab our attention. However, what was most revealing to me was the post game comments by some of the players that indicate that the coach had no game plan for his team beyond fundamentals and little commitment to developing them as young men. Several players indicated that they felt “disrespected” by comments made by the other team before and during the game and that quote, “if somebody put their hands in your face or try to do something to you, where we from you gonna do something back”. This is an annual rivalry game! One would assume the coach would prepare his team mentally and emotionally for the obvious circumstances that would accompany such a heated contest. However, these comments reveal that the coaches were a miserable failure in preparing their teams to win or lose with integrity and humility. With the subsequent disciplinary actions (or lack thereof) by the universities failing to send the proper message to their student-athletes about real life decisions and consequences and the DA now considering criminal charges against the players involved, one must admit that the influence of a coach has far reaching implications beyond the game. What if these players behaved the same way off the court? Are we coaching to simply win games or to also help young men and women win in life. Mark 8:36 says, “what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul”. Sadly, poor coaching and the answer to that question were on display for all to see this past weekend. – Josh Q.

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