Folks...this is not high school ball. This is community travel league ball. The coaches, from competing sports, don't have a relationship like the ones on a school staff. Each coach has their own agenda.
I have read a lot of really well thought out responses. IMO, my friend should make his schedule, have the usual pre-season meeting with his players/parents and tell them he expects everyone to participate 100%, and to add that if you can't make a 100% commitment, then perhaps his team is not the right one to play for.
If you believe in your principles, then stick by them. BTW, the thread would have been titled the same whether these players were #1 and #2 or not. #1 and #2 make it a little more interesting to some readers.