And the second question is: what would your reaction be if this was done to your child by their minor league coach, college coach, high school coach, or youth coach?
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My guess is that if my kid had the opportunity to play for Knight there would be nothing I could do to stop him, and I wouldn't try anyway. There are too many athletes that I have great respect for that have him on the top of their list of great people. Yes, there have been issues, but with an aggressive attitude and coaching style there are bound to be flare ups. What no one talks about is the great things he does. Costas was on Mike&MIke this am and had some good thought.
If that happened in youth or HS there would most likely be a second issue with someone his own age who had a real attitude. In college/minors I would think it was wrong but how my kid would handle it would be his decision. I would offer suggestion and if he needed any support regarding his decision I would be there.
If that happened in youth or HS there would most likely be a second issue with someone his own age who had a real attitude. In college/minors I would think it was wrong but how my kid would handle it would be his decision. I would offer suggestion and if he needed any support regarding his decision I would be there.
First question - No. Even though Knight is a great coach and has a lot of knowledge of the game, I wouldn't even consider letting any of my kids play for him.
Second Question - Minor league, he (son) would be a pro and and choose how to handle it. I probably wouldn't like it, but he has to learn how to handle himself in these situations. College, I'd probably talk to the coach, but, again, it would have to be on the kid's own discretion on how to handle it. High school and/or youth, I'd take my kid off of the team and weigh the options. Legally.
Second Question - Minor league, he (son) would be a pro and and choose how to handle it. I probably wouldn't like it, but he has to learn how to handle himself in these situations. College, I'd probably talk to the coach, but, again, it would have to be on the kid's own discretion on how to handle it. High school and/or youth, I'd take my kid off of the team and weigh the options. Legally.
Knight has actually exposed himself to both criminal and civil battery liability if the young man were so inclined.
Beyond that, I would counsel my son no. Knight is boorish, childish, and a dozen other things that I wouldn't want him being around.
Beyond that, I would counsel my son no. Knight is boorish, childish, and a dozen other things that I wouldn't want him being around.
No, No, No..... I would be ill if my kids ever chose to play for Bobby Knight! I think the man is full of wisdom when it comes to basketball... close to passing Adolph Rupp in wins I believe. However, part of coaching is teaching things beside the skills involved in a sport and he has nothing to teach IMO.
I keep waiting for someone to send Bobby to the house! Hopefully before he passes up Rupp!!
I keep waiting for someone to send Bobby to the house! Hopefully before he passes up Rupp!!
Yes, just as soon as it can be reliably determined that h*ll has frozen over. After that, fine with me.
Why would I not allow my son to play for Coach Knight? If he is in the program for four years he will earn his BS or BA, learn to be a team players, learn what it takes to be a winner on a national level, and have someone like Coach Knight watching over him.
Ladies & Gents this is called tough love. Coach Knight takes care of his players if they try to do what he ask of them.
Ladies & Gents this is called tough love. Coach Knight takes care of his players if they try to do what he ask of them.
"Hey what's up Knight?" Not a big fan of bullies, successful or otherwise. Any chance of him taking the Veep hunting?
If I was that boys Dad I'd have come to the bench following the game and thanked Coach Knight for reminding my son to look at whomever is speaking to him ...
did he do it roughly?? how rough is too rough??
some reports say he slapped the boy, others say he pushed the boy's chin ... to some people neither is unacceptable
how do I gage it?? - I'd put it in perspective ...
this takes place on the sideline during competition where, when competing it is strictly ROUTINE & NORMAL for the player to be (or have been) shoved, elbowed, tripped, slapped at, climbed on, scratched, and poked in the eye ... sometimes it's intentional, sometimes not, but it still happens for 40 minutes ...
I'm not gonna give a second thought to a "chin turn" by a coach
the player in question had just been called for climbing up another players back, so I'm doubting he's giving a "chin turn" much thought either
I like basketball, but still can't quite figure out why good players who really know the game well can't "play the game" without a guy standing in front of the bench screaming each little move they should make
did he do it roughly?? how rough is too rough??
some reports say he slapped the boy, others say he pushed the boy's chin ... to some people neither is unacceptable
how do I gage it?? - I'd put it in perspective ...
this takes place on the sideline during competition where, when competing it is strictly ROUTINE & NORMAL for the player to be (or have been) shoved, elbowed, tripped, slapped at, climbed on, scratched, and poked in the eye ... sometimes it's intentional, sometimes not, but it still happens for 40 minutes ...
I'm not gonna give a second thought to a "chin turn" by a coach
the player in question had just been called for climbing up another players back, so I'm doubting he's giving a "chin turn" much thought either
I like basketball, but still can't quite figure out why good players who really know the game well can't "play the game" without a guy standing in front of the bench screaming each little move they should make
Before anyone goes out and judge the incident, this is what the player had to say.
I see no problem with this
quote:"It was nothing," Prince told the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal after Monday night's game. "He was trying to teach me and I had my head down, so he raised my chin up. He was telling me to go out there and don't be afraid to make mistakes. He said I was being too hard on myself."
I see no problem with this
Rz - My feelings towards Bobby Knight don't come from this one incident, but his lifetime of coaching. He's just not a person I'd want either of my children competing for or learning anything from. Don't like him... have never liked him. Of course, I wasn't a big fan of Davis' neither, so maybe there's an Indiana bias!?!?!
Likewise, I agree this incident isn't maybe enough alone to call for Knight's scalp, but let's be honest, in no other profession, except North Korean Dictators, would his lifetime of conduct be tolerated.
quote:Originally posted by cbg:
Why would I not allow my son to play for Coach Knight? If he is in the program for four years he will earn his BS or BA, learn to be a team players, learn what it takes to be a winner on a national level, and have someone like Coach Knight watching over him.
Ladies & Gents this is called tough love. Coach Knight takes care of his players if they try to do what he ask of them.
Agree 100%. I'd let my son play for him in a heartbeat.
We talk about our kids growing up an having passion, responsibility, "manning-up", leadership, and respect qualities. All of those are rated in the "eye of the beholder". What bothers me is that Knights legacy will be judged by many with the negative incidents that have many times been magnified by the media who Knight has not had on his side his whole life. Back when he was a coach at Army the University of WI hired him as the basketball coach with the stipulation the hiring would not be made public until he was ready. The media got hold of this and announced the hiring. Knight immediatly pulled his name from the position and let it be known why, since then his relationship with the media has been sour both ways.
I am not by any means condoning some of his history, it is wrong even in my book. However, there are many other influential people in the history of sports and education that have stepped over the line and we don't bat an eye many times because the media have not put them under the microscope. Vince Lombardi, George Halas, Woody Hayes, were "old school" but also had a reputation of "tough love" and they are only a few, but never are they singled out like Knight.
I have to say again that I do not believe Knight is without scrutiny, but I will say that almost to a man, players have left his program with him being thought of as a great leader, teacher, and man. I will listen to their opinion long before I will listen to the media.
I am not by any means condoning some of his history, it is wrong even in my book. However, there are many other influential people in the history of sports and education that have stepped over the line and we don't bat an eye many times because the media have not put them under the microscope. Vince Lombardi, George Halas, Woody Hayes, were "old school" but also had a reputation of "tough love" and they are only a few, but never are they singled out like Knight.
I have to say again that I do not believe Knight is without scrutiny, but I will say that almost to a man, players have left his program with him being thought of as a great leader, teacher, and man. I will listen to their opinion long before I will listen to the media.
rz1, 
My kid could play for him anyday. You definitely know what you are getting into when you sign up. If you can't handle it, don't sign up.
My kid could play for him anyday. You definitely know what you are getting into when you sign up. If you can't handle it, don't sign up.
When your son decides to play for Bobby he knows the deal going in. And you as a parent know the deal as well. What do you expect? Bobby Knight is who he is and he is not going to change. I personally do not have a problem with the way he coaches his players. If your not a tough skinned kid and parent and if you do not want to be subjected to Bobby Knights coaching philosophy their is a really good way not to have to worry about it. Don't play for him! If my son said he wanted to play for Knight and he had the opportunity all I would say is "Don't come home crying to me about coach Knight". "You know the deal going in so deal with it or dont go". We can debate wether our not he is good or bad all day long. He has coached hundreds of kids over the years. The overwhelming majority say he is like a father to them and they love him. And a few , well you know the story. I have never seen a coach in any sport that did not have some former players that did not like the coach for whatever reason. I do think the media is playing this up a bit. You know HERE HE GOES AGAIN. I can understand parents that would not want their kid to play for someone like Knight. I can also see why some kids would die to play for a passionate guy like Knight. But the fact is you know the deal going in. And so did Texas Tech. So whats the big deal about this story anyway?
Yes, I would allow my sons to play for him. I would handle it by telling my son that from here on out it would probably be best to look the man in the eye if he is speaking to you directly. I've only seen the Sportcenter clip, but what I saw was a tap on the cheek. Personally I would not classify it as a slap in the face.
Thought I should answer my own question.
I would let my son play for Coach Knight. I think he is in fact everything that everybody has mentioned. A DI coach who graduates his players, will suspend them for not attending class, has never even been investigated by the NCAA for recruiting violations and cares about what his players do after they graduate.
He is also one of the most ignorant, self-agrandizing, bullies to ever grace the sidelines of any sport.
I would counsel my child to not be bullied by Knight and that respect is a two way street. That when a man puts his hands on you that is a threat to your person and any actions taken after that point are the responsibility of the person who laid on the hands first.
As for the second question, youth league, never and the law would only be necessary after I spoke to the coach. High school most likely never. College, I hope by that age it is not necessary but this is more of a man to man situation that I would only advise on not get personally involved unless asked by coach or player. Minor league, probably only hear about the fight that occurred after.
P.S. I find it amazing that a player has not just popped Knight after one of these incidents. It reminds me of the respect one has for their father. As fathers and sons, we remember that day when our sons or ourselves where bigger and stronger than the dads but the respect and admiration for the man allowed for certain transgressions that would not be tolerated by others. I see a similarity in the Knight situations both here and in the past.
I would let my son play for Coach Knight. I think he is in fact everything that everybody has mentioned. A DI coach who graduates his players, will suspend them for not attending class, has never even been investigated by the NCAA for recruiting violations and cares about what his players do after they graduate.
He is also one of the most ignorant, self-agrandizing, bullies to ever grace the sidelines of any sport.
I would counsel my child to not be bullied by Knight and that respect is a two way street. That when a man puts his hands on you that is a threat to your person and any actions taken after that point are the responsibility of the person who laid on the hands first.
As for the second question, youth league, never and the law would only be necessary after I spoke to the coach. High school most likely never. College, I hope by that age it is not necessary but this is more of a man to man situation that I would only advise on not get personally involved unless asked by coach or player. Minor league, probably only hear about the fight that occurred after.
P.S. I find it amazing that a player has not just popped Knight after one of these incidents. It reminds me of the respect one has for their father. As fathers and sons, we remember that day when our sons or ourselves where bigger and stronger than the dads but the respect and admiration for the man allowed for certain transgressions that would not be tolerated by others. I see a similarity in the Knight situations both here and in the past.
At times I have wished that I would have played for Coach Knight, and I know I would have loved it. If my son had the opportunity to play for him and he wanted to, I would be more than happy.
Every person on this earth occasionally does something that he/she should not do. I know I have.
Every person on this earth occasionally does something that he/she should not do. I know I have.
This was big discussion on the talk radio this am.
One side from a man who is the father of two small boys, one side from a succesful former pro football player.
Guess which one stood up for the coach?
I would never want anyone to place hands on my son that in anyway would cause him physical harm. That is wrong, very wrong.
But I have no problem with anyone trying to get my son's attention if he is not paying attention to coach or looking him straight in the eye when being spoken to as long as it did not being physical harm. It's ok to wound the ego a bit too.
What happened, or am I missing something, was he hit, slapped? Injured?
My son has had some really tough coaches along the way, most likely some of you would not allow your sons to play with them. Nothing physical, but lots of tough love. He speaks very highly of the coaches who were the toughest on him.
One side from a man who is the father of two small boys, one side from a succesful former pro football player.
Guess which one stood up for the coach?
I would never want anyone to place hands on my son that in anyway would cause him physical harm. That is wrong, very wrong.
But I have no problem with anyone trying to get my son's attention if he is not paying attention to coach or looking him straight in the eye when being spoken to as long as it did not being physical harm. It's ok to wound the ego a bit too.
What happened, or am I missing something, was he hit, slapped? Injured?
My son has had some really tough coaches along the way, most likely some of you would not allow your sons to play with them. Nothing physical, but lots of tough love. He speaks very highly of the coaches who were the toughest on him.
hmmm...tough question to answer. I know he knows basketball, but he seriously lets his emotions get the best of him. He just loses control, and I don't know how he expects his players not to lose control. Would my son be a better person for playing for him, I am sure of it. Would I be at the games, to ensure he wasn't choked...I am sure of it.
quote:can't quite figure out why good players who really know the game well can't "play the game" without a guy standing in front of the bench screaming each little move they should make
Good point, Bee..........
Yes. I would send my two boys to Knight in a heartbeat.
In this day in age I feel too many kids are spoiled and have a lot given to them without having to work for it.
I like the "military" approach Knight brings. His players graduate, become good citizens, and learn solid basketball fundamentals. I think it is good for kids to have that structure. When they leave school they will have bosses, family matters, etc., to deal with in life, and I feel Knight prepares his kids well for the stresses they will face in life later.
Coaching styles have changed throughout the years, but I applaud Knight for remaining the same. I hear parents all the time complain about their youth or hs coaches. When I asked why the usually answers are that the kids get worked too hard, the kids get yelled at when they make mistakes or don's listen, etc., etc. This all goes back to my first point.
Just my .02
In this day in age I feel too many kids are spoiled and have a lot given to them without having to work for it.
I like the "military" approach Knight brings. His players graduate, become good citizens, and learn solid basketball fundamentals. I think it is good for kids to have that structure. When they leave school they will have bosses, family matters, etc., to deal with in life, and I feel Knight prepares his kids well for the stresses they will face in life later.
Coaching styles have changed throughout the years, but I applaud Knight for remaining the same. I hear parents all the time complain about their youth or hs coaches. When I asked why the usually answers are that the kids get worked too hard, the kids get yelled at when they make mistakes or don's listen, etc., etc. This all goes back to my first point.
Just my .02
Agree with Clevelanddad
There is little doubt that the SMACKED the kid.
His parents are strokes with their LAME excuses.
In my opinion, if it was my son, I'd get out of the stands and punch fatman in the mouth and see how he likes it.
3 national championships don't give you license to smack kids around. Can you say Woody Hayes...(except Woody didn't have 3 national championships).
There is little doubt that the SMACKED the kid.
His parents are strokes with their LAME excuses.
In my opinion, if it was my son, I'd get out of the stands and punch fatman in the mouth and see how he likes it.
3 national championships don't give you license to smack kids around. Can you say Woody Hayes...(except Woody didn't have 3 national championships).
Its just another example - albeit a relatively mild one - of Bobby Knight putting his hands on kids. You can be as tough as you want - nothing wrong with that - but you CANT TOUCH.
Hopefully - some day - when Bobby puts his hands on someone - Bobby will get knocked out by a Joe Frazier-like left cross - with some shoulder and leg behind it.
It is long overdue that Bobby gets some sleepy time. IMO.
Hopefully - some day - when Bobby puts his hands on someone - Bobby will get knocked out by a Joe Frazier-like left cross - with some shoulder and leg behind it.
It is long overdue that Bobby gets some sleepy time. IMO.
I'm not a Bobby Knight fan.
And I don't care for his style.
But what if this was your child's Drill Instructer.
What would you Say??
EH
And I don't care for his style.
But what if this was your child's Drill Instructer.
What would you Say??
EH
Bobby Knight is a college coach - not a military drill instructor.
The problem is that he has always had the power to do as he pleased. If he wants to put his hands on a kid - he does it. Dont matter whether the kid is an athlete or just a fan. Bobby thinks he can get physical with anyone and never pay a price. And so far - he has been right.
He has never paid the price.
He needs to pay the price. IMO.
The problem is that he has always had the power to do as he pleased. If he wants to put his hands on a kid - he does it. Dont matter whether the kid is an athlete or just a fan. Bobby thinks he can get physical with anyone and never pay a price. And so far - he has been right.
He has never paid the price.
He needs to pay the price. IMO.
Well he did Coach at the Military Academy.
He coached at West Point, he did not attend West Point or was he a member of the Armed Forces. I have always thought the General Knight talk was a little overblown. Coach K actually attended West Point and was an officer in the Army.
He should be familiar with Woody Hayes, he is an Ohio State grad.
He should be familiar with Woody Hayes, he is an Ohio State grad.
When I send my kid off to play ball for a coach I absolutely do not expect nor will I accept that coach putting his hands on him....not at any level of organized school/youth sports....
I won't debate with parents who think it's okay....it's just unacceptable to me.
I won't debate with parents who think it's okay....it's just unacceptable to me.
Define what you mean by "put his hands on." Does that go for grabbing the jersey or a hard smack on the rear after a stern lecture? Is it an absolute or are there gray areas?
deldad - I think there are easily grey areas. To gain the attention of a player that is being disrespectful and not paying attention by taking your hand and lifting his chin isn't abusive in any way IMO. However, to push, shoove, slap, throw chairs, and to humiliate is abusive and is not "tough love".
I think that most parents that know me would say I'm a fairly "strict" parent that demands respect. One of our baseball dads told me when it came to parenting I was a "hard ***". One thing that I think you must give is respect if you're going to receive it back. Some of my favorite coaches are tough guys, but they're tough in a non physical and non verbally abusive way. There's a difference.
Knight simply has a problem controlling his temper. He doesn't know what to do with his emotions when they get out of control. That's not someone who should be coaching IMO. Not a new feeling for me.... like I've said...never been a Knight fan.
I think that most parents that know me would say I'm a fairly "strict" parent that demands respect. One of our baseball dads told me when it came to parenting I was a "hard ***". One thing that I think you must give is respect if you're going to receive it back. Some of my favorite coaches are tough guys, but they're tough in a non physical and non verbally abusive way. There's a difference.
Knight simply has a problem controlling his temper. He doesn't know what to do with his emotions when they get out of control. That's not someone who should be coaching IMO. Not a new feeling for me.... like I've said...never been a Knight fan.
A normal person - when confronted with verbal abuse - either ignores it - or maybe yells back. And that is that.
Bobby Knight - when confronted with verbal abuse - attacks.
That is what Bobby does - because Bobby only attacks people he knows wont attack back - or cant attack back.
Bobby needs a whoopin IMO.
Old fashioned - Joe Frazier type whoopin.
IMO.
Bobby Knight - when confronted with verbal abuse - attacks.
That is what Bobby does - because Bobby only attacks people he knows wont attack back - or cant attack back.
Bobby needs a whoopin IMO.
Old fashioned - Joe Frazier type whoopin.
IMO.
Thanks Lafmom.....you said it all so well....
...and deldad....I mean "put his hands on" as in the context of this thread......
Jeff Goodman, Foxsports wrote an article today and addressed what It's been posting: ".....one of these days, Knight's going to challenge one of his players and find himself picking himself back off the ground. Let's see how tough he is then."
...and deldad....I mean "put his hands on" as in the context of this thread......
Jeff Goodman, Foxsports wrote an article today and addressed what It's been posting: ".....one of these days, Knight's going to challenge one of his players and find himself picking himself back off the ground. Let's see how tough he is then."
I didn't see the incident in question, so I can't make a direct comment. There are certainly different versions of what occured. If all Coach Knight did was raise the kid's chin, I don't have a problem with that. If he slapped him, I'd probably look at it differently. I have to agree with the other poster who noted that what happens on the court during the course of a game is far more violent than what Knight is being accused of in the media. And, you don't even get called for a foul for much of it. I side with those who say that you know what you're in for when you sign up to play for Bobby Knight. For many people, it is a great experience, and for some others they should never go near the man. Or plenty of other "old school" coaches either. I wouldn't have a problem with my kid playing for him, but my son isn't the type of kid who'd do well with him, so it would never happen anyway even if he had that kind of talent.
Coaching youth baseball up to 19 years old, I can't imagine striking a player under any reasonable circumstance, but I certainly have put my hands upon a kid. We had a game last summer, it was our 16s team that I don't coach, I was just in the dugout with the team in the final game of a tournament, and a player who was new to our teams in his first tournament with us had a complete eruption at home plate when he was called out on a close play to end the game. He threw his helmet, started yelling, screaming actually, at the umpire, cussing, etc. Everyone headed out of the dugout and I went straight to the kid and grabbed him firmly by his shoulders and told him to shut his mouth and get his butt into the dugout NOW. I did this to gain the attention of the kid, who really was in a ridiculous rage, but I wasn't overly rough or trying to inflict any pain on him. I assure you, by grabbing him,I had the kid's undivided attention for the few seconds it took to deliver my message. I let go of the kid and we went back to the dugout where I continued my discussion with him where only the coaches and team could see what was going on. I simply knelt down in front of the kid and told him that I would never tolerate what he just did, ever again. I told him that his behavior was completely unacceptable under any circumstance and there was no justification for it, ever, on a baseball field; and that if he couldn't accept that to turn in his jersey right then and there. I went on to tell the boy that our teams have good players of good character, and that I expected him to fulfill the character part from that point forward or there was no reason to have him associated with our teams. He let us down and embarassed us, and I made it clear that he'd have to tow the line from that point forward or he'd be thrown off the team the next time it happened. He had calmed down by then and apologized to everyone for his behavior.
It was the last time I ever had a problem with that kid, but it certainly called for taking control of an out of hand situation at the time, including physical control. So, the question I have for a few people who've said they'd "never" allow or tolerate someone touching their kid, would you have had a problem with this example? Do you really believe that there is no situation where a player should be touched in any way, shape or form? I'd like to know, because if that situation happened again today, I'd handle it the same way all over again. I think common sense needs to be involved in the decisions we make, by all parties. I think coaches need to be held to very high standards of conduct, but that players and parents do, as well. I also think that common sense needs to win out when the emotions get overcharged.
Personally, I think we've gotten way too soft and PC in this day and age. I think our media looks for opportunities to glamorize these type events; and that they've probably happened all along, but we never knew about them back in the '60s, '70s or '80s because we didn't have the total media coverage that we do today.
Just remember, Political correctness...ISN'T!
Coaching youth baseball up to 19 years old, I can't imagine striking a player under any reasonable circumstance, but I certainly have put my hands upon a kid. We had a game last summer, it was our 16s team that I don't coach, I was just in the dugout with the team in the final game of a tournament, and a player who was new to our teams in his first tournament with us had a complete eruption at home plate when he was called out on a close play to end the game. He threw his helmet, started yelling, screaming actually, at the umpire, cussing, etc. Everyone headed out of the dugout and I went straight to the kid and grabbed him firmly by his shoulders and told him to shut his mouth and get his butt into the dugout NOW. I did this to gain the attention of the kid, who really was in a ridiculous rage, but I wasn't overly rough or trying to inflict any pain on him. I assure you, by grabbing him,I had the kid's undivided attention for the few seconds it took to deliver my message. I let go of the kid and we went back to the dugout where I continued my discussion with him where only the coaches and team could see what was going on. I simply knelt down in front of the kid and told him that I would never tolerate what he just did, ever again. I told him that his behavior was completely unacceptable under any circumstance and there was no justification for it, ever, on a baseball field; and that if he couldn't accept that to turn in his jersey right then and there. I went on to tell the boy that our teams have good players of good character, and that I expected him to fulfill the character part from that point forward or there was no reason to have him associated with our teams. He let us down and embarassed us, and I made it clear that he'd have to tow the line from that point forward or he'd be thrown off the team the next time it happened. He had calmed down by then and apologized to everyone for his behavior.
It was the last time I ever had a problem with that kid, but it certainly called for taking control of an out of hand situation at the time, including physical control. So, the question I have for a few people who've said they'd "never" allow or tolerate someone touching their kid, would you have had a problem with this example? Do you really believe that there is no situation where a player should be touched in any way, shape or form? I'd like to know, because if that situation happened again today, I'd handle it the same way all over again. I think common sense needs to be involved in the decisions we make, by all parties. I think coaches need to be held to very high standards of conduct, but that players and parents do, as well. I also think that common sense needs to win out when the emotions get overcharged.
Personally, I think we've gotten way too soft and PC in this day and age. I think our media looks for opportunities to glamorize these type events; and that they've probably happened all along, but we never knew about them back in the '60s, '70s or '80s because we didn't have the total media coverage that we do today.
Just remember, Political correctness...ISN'T!
Lafmom, please don't take my question as a challenge. I believe this is a discussion that needs to be had and that the level of contact varies from place to place, coach to coach and level to level.
If a dog bites two people, they are euthanized. How many bites does a coach get?
If a dog bites two people, they are euthanized. How many bites does a coach get?
quote:I went straight to the kid and grabbed him firmly by his shoulders and told him to shut his mouth and get his butt into the dugout NOW. I did this to gain the attention of the kid, who really was in a ridiculous rage, but I wasn't overly rough or trying to inflict any pain on him. I assure you, by grabbing him,I had the kid's undivided attention for the few seconds it took to deliver my message. I let go of the kid and we went back to the dugout where I continued my discussion with him where only the coaches and team could see what was going on. I simply knelt down in front of the kid and told him that I would never tolerate what he just did, ever again. I told him that his behavior was completely unacceptable under any circumstance and there was no justification for it, ever, on a baseball field; and that if he couldn't accept that to turn in his jersey right then and there. I went on to tell the boy that our teams have good players of good character, and that I expected him to fulfill the character part from that point forward or there was no reason to have him associated with our teams. He let us down and embarassed us, and I made it clear that he'd have to tow the line from that point forward or he'd be thrown off the team the next time it happened. He had calmed down by then and apologized to everyone for his behavior.
06Dad - I agree with everything you said here.... in how you handled that situation (if that was my son, that certainly wouldn't have been the end of the discussion) and what you say about things being too soft. The media does take events such as the one you described with your player and make them into something entirely different. A coach, teacher, etc. can be afraid to effectively coach or do their job because of the attitudes. Talking about Bobby Knight like antics is completely different IMO. Nice post!
Oh deldad - I didn't!! LOL sorry if I sounded that way!
Edit: I should have said "I'll be right back... gotta clean up the glass from my TV where I threw the chair through it" LOL
Edit: I should have said "I'll be right back... gotta clean up the glass from my TV where I threw the chair through it" LOL
Can we keep the discussion within the context of the original posters intent? We are discussing Knight's behavior and that is what I responded to....but for clarification...
I will never tolerate a coach physically abusing my child... I don't care how badly you want to win, how badly you want the trophy.....don't hit my kid. Seems simple to me....
I will never tolerate a coach physically abusing my child... I don't care how badly you want to win, how badly you want the trophy.....don't hit my kid. Seems simple to me....
What EXACTLY happened?