RESPECT

      I had a snow day today here in good ole New York so I figured it would give me a chance to write a quick blog! Like many people around the world, I was one who watched Super Bowl 58 last Sunday. I really didn't care who won because my team wasn't playing in it and in my opinion probably won't be playing in the Super Bowl any time soon. The New York Giants! I was, however, very disturbed about one thing I did see that was caught on camera. I will not be using the name of the player involved, his coach and his girlfriend. I will refer to him as "#87 for the Chiefs." During the game, the Chiefs were not playing very well.  In fact, at one point a running back fumbled the ball and the 49ers recovered. You could see the frustration from that running back as well as his teammates. What they showed you next on television really disturbed me. #87 on the Chiefs came charging down the sideline toward his coach screaming at him and he actually purposely bumped into him. The coach never looked at the player or said a word. Now, I realize it was a big game and for the World Championship of football and the NFL's Vince Lombardi Trophy. I realize the amount of pressure and intensity is sky high, but I got me thinking. Would this have happened 35 years ago when Bill Parcells was coaching the Giants and Lawrence Taylor did this? Would Mike Ditka who coached the Bears and was known for a hot temper allow this on his team if Jim McMahon did this?  I can't picture any coach allowing this even 50 years ago! The first thing I thought of after seeing this were all the young kids watching the game and seeing this display of "No Respect!" Are they going to treat their parents like this? How about their teacher? How about their coach? All I know is growing up and playing Little League baseball if I screamed at my coach or manager, do you think he would say nothing? You bet your bottom dollar I would be told to find a nice warm seat on the bench. It really bothered me that kids saw that and I'm sure they feel that it's okay to yell at your coach. Even as a children's pastor 15 years ago I had kids argue with me if we played hockey on Wednesday nights during Pre-Teens. I always told them, "Guys, it's just a game. We are supposed to have fun!" 

     I know there is more to the story about the #87 Super Bowl tirade. I heard he apologized to his coach after the game which is the right thing to do. I heard the coach laughed about it at the Press Conference. Maybe #87's girlfriend will write a song about it? Hopefully not. I have heard many people on the radio upset about it. Some even say it's "no big deal" and some say we should "let it go." I truthfully don't like the fact many young kids saw this happen on live TV. I do feel #87 should address this situation and tell kids it was not cool. If he hasn't done so already, I wish he would! This is yet another reason why I have been turned off by sports in the last 5 years or so. I don't think many athletes realize the role models they are to young kids.

HAPPY SNOW DAY EVERYONE IT'S BACK TO WORK TOMORROW!!