True Champions
Grace and class are important attributes to a true champion. It was evident, once again, to me as I listened to the head coach of the now 18-1 New England Patriots answer questions after the team's first Super Bowl loss. With every answer given, it became more evident why it sounded like there were far more Giants fans in the University of Phoenix stadium last night than Pats fans.
Each answer was short and terse. I almost felt sorry for such a man who gives these kinds of replies. No wonder his wife and he would split up. I would think my wife would leave me if I answered questions in such a way. No words of congratulations to the other team. I'm trying to think of the last time a losing coach has not even mentioned congrats to the other team in a TV interview.
Maybe it is "everyone is against our team." Maybe we don't like to see perfect records (except the '72 Dolphins--and yes that was a shout-out to my good friend Stacie...). But my gut tells me that if the Colts were going for victory number 19, there would be a whole lot more people cheering for that to happen than I have heard about people siding with the Pats this year.
Maybe it is something about leadership. I can't imagine Tony Dungy acting with anything but class--even after a devastating loss. Nor Lovie Smith. And I am sure a number of other coaches. (I'm not too quick to put the former Atlanta Falcon's coach, Rick Majerius, or Rich Rodriguez in this list though...) Coach John Wooden of UCLA fame may head the list of gracious men...
I don't think this is about personality either. I don't care that Coach B is guarded and analytical and too much a part of the No Fun League. Some may not agree with me. That's okay. But surly is another thing.
I do feel sorry for the those on the Pats team who well may be men of character. But their leader hurt their credibility without them even getting to say a word.
I believe character won last night. Or maybe better put: a lack of character was displayed one more time by the losing team for all the world to see.
Each answer was short and terse. I almost felt sorry for such a man who gives these kinds of replies. No wonder his wife and he would split up. I would think my wife would leave me if I answered questions in such a way. No words of congratulations to the other team. I'm trying to think of the last time a losing coach has not even mentioned congrats to the other team in a TV interview.
Maybe it is "everyone is against our team." Maybe we don't like to see perfect records (except the '72 Dolphins--and yes that was a shout-out to my good friend Stacie...). But my gut tells me that if the Colts were going for victory number 19, there would be a whole lot more people cheering for that to happen than I have heard about people siding with the Pats this year.
Maybe it is something about leadership. I can't imagine Tony Dungy acting with anything but class--even after a devastating loss. Nor Lovie Smith. And I am sure a number of other coaches. (I'm not too quick to put the former Atlanta Falcon's coach, Rick Majerius, or Rich Rodriguez in this list though...) Coach John Wooden of UCLA fame may head the list of gracious men...
I don't think this is about personality either. I don't care that Coach B is guarded and analytical and too much a part of the No Fun League. Some may not agree with me. That's okay. But surly is another thing.
I do feel sorry for the those on the Pats team who well may be men of character. But their leader hurt their credibility without them even getting to say a word.
I believe character won last night. Or maybe better put: a lack of character was displayed one more time by the losing team for all the world to see.
2 Comments:
At February 4, 2008 3:12 PM ,
dave said...
well said
At February 10, 2008 12:34 AM ,
kzenan said...
What else would expect from the coach that walked off the field before the game was officially over?? ... Not good character!
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